Senior advocate and former Union Minister Kapil Sibal on Saturday expressed dismay over the prospect of securing relief through the legal process amid the controversy surrounding restrictions imposed ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest in Delhi. A day later, on Sunday, the Supreme Court responded to his remarks, declaring that it was determined to restore his faith in the judiciary.

Addressing a press conference, Sibal questioned the direction in which the country had been heading and added that he had little hope of obtaining relief by means of the judicial system. He asserted, “I don't know which direction this country is heading. I don't know if we will ever get relief from the court. If anyone can save the Constitution, it is the Supreme Court. We are tired of going to the courts. I don't see any benefit in going; I have no hope.”

He made the remarks amid a major security operation in the national capital ahead of the CJP’s October 10 stir, aimed at seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Questioning the need for the sweeping curbs, Sibal asked who had been threatened by the proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar, pointing out that the agitation had been announced several days in advance.

SC responds to Sibal’s remarks

The top court on Sunday made a pointed ruling in response to Sibal’s expression of disillusionment, saying it wanted to restore his confidence in the institution. During a special hearing on the curbs imposed ahead of the CJP protest, the SC bench remarked, “We are here to RESTORE the faith of Mr Sibal in this institution... whose confidence has been one of the surest weapons in our arsenal.”

The hearing was centred on petitions, including a plea seeking contempt proceedings against authorities over alleged violations of judicial directions issued earlier, concerning Metro and train services in the national capital. Post-hearing, Sibal, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, expressed gratitude towards the apex court, saying its order had helped restore the confidence of the general public in the justice system.

He remarked, “We are deeply grateful to the Supreme Court of India for passing an order that restores the faith of the Indian people, as well as the faith of professionals, in the justice system of this country. Beyond this, we will not speak on anything else.”

Court raises questions on Metro restrictions

During the special hearing, the SC bench sought explanations for the curbs imposed across Delhi before the demonstration against CEC Kumar kicked off. The judges questioned why 57 Metro stations had been identified for closure initially and why the number was slashed to 45 following the earlier directions issued by the court.

They also sought clarity on the criteria used to determine which stations should remain shut.

Curbs impsoed in Delhi in view of CJP stir

Furthermore, the SC emphasised that Metro services should operate according to their normal schedules, subject to legitimate law-and-order requirements. It also underscored that lawyers must not be prevented from discharging their professional duties.