The Delhi High Court has refused to entertain a petition seeking an interim deposit of Rs 50 crore from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) as compensation for the inconvenience and disruption allegedly caused to Delhi residents by the party’s protests. The bench advised the petitioner to approach the Supreme Court instead.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Vasudev Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma declined to consider the plea during a hearing reported on October 28. The petition sought directions requiring CJP to deposit Rs 50 crore as interim compensation for the difficulties residents allegedly faced because of the demonstrations.
The petition was filed by advocate Rakesh Kumar Saini. It claimed that the protests had caused inconvenience and disruption to people living in Delhi and requested financial relief on an interim basis. The report does not provide details of the specific protest locations, dates, duration or the number of residents said to have been affected.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the Supreme Court was examining a matter of this nature. Following that submission, the High Court told Saini that he should approach the Supreme Court in the case.
The order does not amount to a finding by the High Court on whether the alleged disruption occurred or whether CJP should pay compensation. Based on the report, the court’s position was that the petitioner should take the matter to the Supreme Court, where a similar or related issue was stated to be under consideration.
The case highlights the legal route being pursued for claims that public demonstrations have caused disruption to residents. However, the supplied report does not state that the High Court assessed the claimed Rs 50 crore amount, determined liability, or ordered any payment by CJP.
The immediate next step indicated during the hearing is for the petitioner to approach the Supreme Court. The report does not specify whether a petition has already been filed there or identify the next date of hearing.
