Overview
- Traders in Connaught Place, Khan Market, Shankar Market and other Delhi hubs report steep falls in customer footfall and some days of zero sales after protest calls around October 10 reduced shopper turnout.
- Multiple market associations have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking for an official loss assessment, compensation recoverable from organisers, and bans or stricter limits on demonstrations in commercial areas during the October–December festive window.
- Association leaders gave large, differing estimates of the hit, with one saying about Rs 100 crore in losses per day and others citing an aggregate figure near Rs 2,000 crore; these figures are claims from traders and are not independently verified.
- The Supreme Court refused an urgent injunction to stop a Connaught Place protest but scheduled a full hearing for October 26 and signalled it may award compensation under constitutional tort if unlawful business losses are proven.
- Traders warn that ongoing disruptions are straining fixed costs such as rent and salaries, creating safety and access problems for shoppers and employees, and they say formal assessments or court orders will determine whether organisers or authorities must pay for the damage.