Delhi hotel associations say police have urged members to scrutinise fresh bookings from Delhi-NCR and verify the purpose of guests’ visits ahead of an October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar, raising concerns among hoteliers and traders about the effect of security measures on business and public movement.
The reported requests come as authorities prepare for a demonstration called by the Cockroach Janta Party, Left student organisations and the AAP’s student wing. The groups are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The hotel associations have circulated messages to members about the alleged police instructions, but the supplied report does not include an official police statement confirming the requests.
A member of the Paharganj Hotels’ Mahasang said the association had asked owners to remain cautious while handling bookings, particularly short-stay reservations. The member said people from Delhi-NCR generally do not book hotels in the capital unless they have a medical emergency, are attending an event or have another specific reason to stay.
“ We have asked hotel owners to verify the reason for their visit, especially in cases of short-duration bookings. However, individual members will have to take a call,” the member said.
Sources cited in the report said police officers were watching for people arriving in large groups or booking accommodation for short periods around the protest dates. Third-party bookings were also reportedly being tracked. The reported focus on short stays and group arrivals has placed hotel operators in a difficult position because establishments routinely verify identity documents but may not be able to determine whether a guest is a protester or supporter based only on the stated purpose of a visit.
A senior member of the Ajmal Khan Road Vyapar Mandal said messages had also reached guest houses and hotels in Karol Bagh following requests from police personnel. The member said hotels verify documents, including Aadhaar cards, but it remains difficult to deny entry or establish whether a guest’s explanation is genuine. Members have nevertheless been asked to remain alert, the trader said.
The issue extends beyond hotel operations. Traders said several facilities and prominent roads leading to central Delhi were either shut or barricaded as part of the security arrangements, while metro stations were expected to be closed. Such restrictions could discourage residents from travelling to markets, restaurants and other commercial areas, including families planning to dine out or shop.
A member of the National Restaurant Association said restrictions introduced during protests often affect ordinary residents and businesses. “It is unfortunate that New Delhi, despite being the national capital, cannot deal with such protests without causing inconvenience to its people. Every time such an event happens, the general public suffers,” the member said.
The reported measures place hotels, guest houses, traders and transport users at the intersection of protest security and routine urban activity. For businesses, the immediate uncertainty concerns whether customers will be able to reach central Delhi and whether operators will be expected to make judgements about the purpose of a booking beyond standard identity verification. Further restrictions and the police arrangements around the October 10 protest are expected to determine the extent of disruption.
