A restaurant owner has approached the Delhi High Court seeking compensation for business losses allegedly caused by protests in Connaught Place and opposing the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed gathering at Central Park on Friday.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma directed that the petition be listed alongside connected matters.
The plea was filed by Aayush Chopra, whose family runs Minar Restaurant, around 700 metres from Central Park. He has sought directions to prevent unauthorised demonstrations in the commercial area and compensation for losses suffered during the October 10 agitation.
The petition states that CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called for a gathering at Central Park at 5 pm on October 16, despite the location not being a designated protest venue.
Citing trader estimates, the plea claims Connaught Place businesses suffered losses of Rs 150-200 crore during the October 10 gathering, while business worth Rs 2,000 crore was affected across Delhi. It also alleges a sharp decline in the restaurant’s earnings during the ongoing festive season.
The petitioner argued that protests must be held at designated venues and sought assessment of losses and compensation from those found responsible.
