A writ petition has been filed in Delhi High Court seeking directions to prevent the proposed gathering by the Cockroach Janta Party at Central Park, Connaught Place, on October 16, 2026, and to recover compensation for losses allegedly suffered by traders during the October 10 agitation.
The petition seeks directions to the authorities not to grant permission for the proposed gathering and to prevent unauthorised protests and assemblies in the commercial area. The petitioner has also sought assessment of losses suffered by traders during the October 10 agitation and recovery of compensation from those responsible.
According to the petition, the party’s founder issued a call on October 14 for a gathering at Central Park at 5 PM on October 16. The petitioner contends that Central Park is not a designated protest venue and that no application for permission has been reported to have been made.
The petition states that the October 10 gathering, held despite refusal of permission, led to the closure of shops in Connaught Place. The New Delhi Traders Association estimated losses of ₹150–200 crore in Connaught Place, while the Chamber of Trade and Industry estimated that business worth approximately ₹2,000 crore was affected across Delhi.
The petitioner has also stated that unauthorised gatherings in commercial areas threaten traders’ fundamental rights under Articles 19(1)(g) and 21 of the Constitution, including their right to carry on business and livelihood. The plea also relies on the Delhi Police’s October 11 standing order, which de-notified Jantar Mantar as a protest venue and designated Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi as alternative venues for protests.
The petition contends that the right to peaceful protest must be balanced against the rights of traders and other members of the public.