Delhi High Court initially indicated that it would defer the hearing until the Supreme Court passed orders on the pending pleas. However, it subsequently disposed of the petition, clarifying that it had expressed no opinion on the merits of the case. File
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The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (October 28, 2026) declined to entertain a petition seeking ₹50 crore in interim compensation from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) for allegedly causing harassment and inconvenience to the public through protests and demonstrations in the capital.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma said the petitioner could approach the Supreme Court with his prayers, as it was already seized of several petitions concerning protests.
“Judicial discipline warrants that, in such an eventuality, this court must stay its hands away from the proceedings and should not pass conflicting orders,” the bench observed.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said several petitions had been filed in the Supreme Court by small traders who claimed their livelihoods had come to a standstill because of the protests. Mr Mehta said the plea raised a valid public law issue and that Mr R.K. Saini, the petitioner, could join the proceedings before the Supreme Court with his demands.
Mr. Saini argued that imposing a community fine would deter organisations from staging such demonstrations, alleging that the state was otherwise helpless to prevent the inconvenience caused to the public.
“No, no, the State has handled it,” the bench responded.
The court initially indicated that it would defer the hearing until the Supreme Court passed orders on the pending pleas. However, it subsequently disposed of the petition, clarifying that it had expressed no opinion on the merits of the case.
The petition sought directions to the government to initiate proceedings against the CJP and recover a community fine to compensate members of the public for the disruption of their daily lives due to recent protests and demonstrations in Delhi.
As interim relief, the petitioner sought an order directing the CJP to deposit ₹50 crore with the High Court to safeguard the rights of the common man and affected Delhi residents. The plea alleged that the demonstrations had subjected them to severe harassment, physical and mental distress, inconvenience and suffering.
Published – October 29, 2026 06:27 am IST
