After weeks of meticulous planning, Bajaj had single-handedly unleashed a shopping bonanza at Palika Bazar. There were live models in the shop-window displaying apparel, Rajasthani folk musicians and clowns to entertain and coupons for a free meal for every shopper.

The shopping festival, which began on November 2, was to last the entire week. However, it had to be called off abruptly after the Mahila Adhikar Suraksha Morcha sent press releases decrying the use of women for modelling. A dispirited Bajaj says: ``I spent around Rs 1 lakh in publicity and all the other arrangements, not to mention the time and energy spent in organising this. The concept is quite popular in Europe and Hong Kong from where I picked it up. However, I discontinued the entire exercise after I read the newspaper reports. My mother was virtually in tears after and my friends and other shopkeepers said if the Mahila Adhikar Suraksha Morcha workers took us to court, who would run the shop''?

He, however, admits this is only a precautionary measure and apart from some good-natured advice from the beat constable in the area, no one has asked him to stop the festival. ``I am at my wit's end. I just don't know what to do. I just want to know why these people don't protest against fashion shows where models wear revealing clothes? Why don't they close down cabarets? Our affair was decent, the models were decently attired and they would get a break every half-an-hour, so that they didn't tire,'' he fumed.

Though the local shopkeepers agreed to show their solidarity by closing down their shops if anyone stopped him, Bajaj chose not to get embroiled in any controversy. Says Arvind Saxena, who supplies shirts for Bajaj's shop: ``We had sponsored the Nirula's free meal coupons which were being given to all those who bought our shirts. We were so excited when we came to know about this festival that we pitched in. With the market in recession, we thought that this would attract customers and boost sales''.

Not willing to give up so easily, Bajaj says that he contacted the local police and they have admitted that there is no law against it. ``I have been calling up the office of the Mahila Adhikar Suraksha Morcha the entire day, but I could not contact them. Tomorrow I am planning to meet the DCP and the women's group people. If they have their rights, I also have my rights and I will fight this to the end''.

When contacted, police officials at the Connaught Place Police Station said they had not recieved any complaints or instructions to stop the activities at Palika Bazar and though the constable may have given verbal orders there, SHO Sehdev Singh was not aware about it.