New Delhi, Nov. 3 -- Delhi's Chamber of Trade and Industry has sought restrictions on rallies and demonstrations until 11 November, citing substantial festive-season business losses. Its Rs.14,000-crore estimate is an association claim, not an independently established loss figure. Nevertheless, the disruption concern deserves a serious administrative response.

The Retail Times believes a trader's ability to receive goods, serve customers and keep employees working deserves protection. Equally, peaceful public assembly cannot be treated as an inconvenience to be eliminated whenever commercial activity intensifies.

The failure lies in forcing these interests into an avoidable confrontation.

The Retail Times questions why major gathering...