The Supreme Court of India intervened on Sunday, October 11, 2026, directing authorities in Delhi to prevent illegal detentions of peaceful demonstrators and ensure the restoration of normal Delhi Metro services and internet access. This urgent intervention by a bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana came in response to allegations of widespread violations during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The apex court issued a notice to the Centre after senior counsels filed a plea seeking contempt proceedings. They alleged a "flagrant violation" of an earlier Supreme Court order from October 9, 2026, which had sought to prevent a complete prohibition on public transport. On October 10, reports indicated metro railway disruptions, the closure of New Delhi and Nizamuddin railway stations, and a lack of traffic advisories. Crucially, a large number of individuals faced undue harassment and illegal detention, reportedly even beyond the areas covered by prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was specifically instructed to ensure the Delhi Metro operates on its regular schedule and that internet services remain uninterrupted, subject to maintaining law and order. The court also emphasized that lawyers, journalists, and other professionals must not be hindered in their duties. During the hearing, Mehta informed the bench that on October 10, entry and exit restrictions were imposed at only 45 of the 303 metro stations across the network.
The contempt plea, filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, names Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chairperson D Thara as respondents. Additionally, senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy had filed a habeas petition concerning the detention of political leaders.
The protest, organised by the CJP and various student organisations, targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Election Commission's functioning. The government had preemptively thwarted a planned mass mobilisation at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10, through an extensive security clampdown that led to the detention of over 7,000 protesters, including CJP leader Abhijit Dipke, several opposition figures, and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. Senior Supreme Court lawyer Kapil Sibal welcomed the court's directives, expressing gratitude for the restoration of public movement and civil liberties.
Image: siasat.com
📰 Source: Siasat Gulf