Demonstrations generate ‘protest economy’, Supreme Court tells Delhi traders

NEW DELHI The Supreme Court on Tuesday (November 3, 2026) remarked to Delhi traders that protests are not entirely hostile to business, pointing out that there is also “protest economy” that generates brisk earnings for enterprising hawkers and vendors at demonstration sites. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed sympathy for the right to livelihood of the small traders, hawkers, push cart vendors, noting that their right competed with the right to expression of the protestors. The court said there was a need for balance. “Right to protest is constitutionally recognised. Right to trade is also. By ‘trade’ we do not mean commercial establishments, but those who do it as the sole source of livelihood, like the daily wagers, the subjiwala, etc. Where can they go?” Chief Justice Kant observed.