Court firm on Delhi shop closures

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India's Supreme Court has ordered the authorities in Delhi to resume controversial moves to close illegal businesses in residential areas.

The court said the corporation should seek help from the police if necessary to carry out the closure drive.

Shopkeepers say the moves will affect the livelihoods of 500,000 people.

Angry traders held a three-day strike last week, closing most of the city's shops. In September four people died as protests turned violent.

'Dagger'

The Supreme Court dismissed petitions filed by the federal government and Delhi's local government.

The petitions had said that the closures could threaten law and order in Delhi.

"No one can be permitted to place a dagger at the government's neck and seek relief. No one can be permitted to hold the city and its law-abiding citizens to ransom," the Supreme Court order said.

"It is the obligation of governments to ensure compliance of the orders of this court."

The drive against illegal businesses in residential areas began last year after the Supreme Court said a ban on such shops had to be enforced.

Protests across Delhi have since become widespread.

Traders say municipal authorities often take money from the poor and the middle-class in return for turning a blind eye to illegal constructions or encroachments on public land.