The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought responses from the Centre and others on a plea by traders’ organisations seeking a halt to the ongoing protests against the chief election commissioner during the festive season, and said that the protest site cannot be occupied for “all times to come”.

The top court was hearing several pleas, alleging loss of business due to a protest at the Ramlila Maidan. “You can’t occupy a site at all times. Where will farmers, journalists, etc., go? Everyone has the right to protest. Designated time must be given for a designated period,” the SC said.