The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday cautioned the Union government against imposing sweeping transport restrictions ahead of Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed protest in Delhi, slated to be staged on Saturday, underscoring that security arrangements must not halt public transport or leave ordinary commuters in a lurch, impeding their journeys to their workplaces and educational institutions.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant expressed concern over the proposed closure of Metro station entry and exit gates and the cancellation of trains poised to arrive in the national capital ahead of a protest led by the CJP against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

The CJI asserted, “We are speaking on behalf of the common citizens of this city,” highlighting the daily reliance of scores of commuters travelling from Gurugram, Greater Noida and different parts of Delhi by means of public transport.

CJI Kant further said, “Everybody does not have a car. Everybody does not have access to private transport. People depend on public transport. This cannot be done. We have serious concerns about the closure of Metro stations. We are concerned about commuters who come from far for their livelihood. Common citizens shall not suffer.”

The SC bench ruled that although authorities were entitled to regulate movement and maintain law and order, their measures should not deprive the commoners of essential transport services. CJI told the government, “You can stop unruly mobs but don’t do anything that hurts common citizens.”

SC calls for regulated services

During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing CPI(M) leader MA Baby, urged the court to intervene over the cancellation of Delhi-bound trains. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the government, assured the bench that transport services would be regulated according to the evolving situation.

Mehta informed the court, “We assure that we will regulate as per how the situation develops.” Responding to the assurance, the CJI called for the need to strike a balance between security concerns and public convenience, saying, “Make sure everything is not halted.”

Subsequently, the bench remarked that Metro services could not be prohibited altogether. It voiced calls for a considered approach that would allow trains to operate in a regulated manner without causing unnecessary inconvenience to commuters.

It extended the same directives to trains arriving at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations, emphasising the need to keep vital transport links functioning despite the planned demonstration.

Petition challenges sweeping restrictions

The Baby’s petition challenged the proposed closure of 57 Metro stations and the cancellation of Mail and Express trains about to arrive at the two railway stations in the city on Saturday. It contended that imposing sweeping restrictions to avert a peaceful demonstration could infringe citizens’ fundamental rights.

The agitation planned by CJP and student groups aims to seek the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.