The Supreme Court has granted the Centre additional time until Thursday, October 15, to respond to petitions concerning restrictions on Delhi Metro and railway services and the alleged illegal detention of protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstration. The development comes after reports that more than 7,000 people were detained and 45 metro stations faced restrictions during the October 10 protest in the national capital.
Centre Seeks More Time to Respond
On Tuesday, October 13, the Supreme Court postponed the hearing on multiple petitions related to the protests until October 15. The Centre had requested additional time to submit its response and compliance report regarding the court’s earlier directions.
The petitions question whether authorities violated the Supreme Court’s October 9 order, which stated that metro and railway services could be regulated for security reasons but should not face a complete shutdown.
The court had previously directed the government to ensure that transport restrictions did not cause unnecessary inconvenience to ordinary commuters.
Contempt Plea Over Metro and Railway Restrictions
Advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi filed a contempt petition alleging that authorities failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s October 9 directions. The petition names Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Chairperson D. Thara.
According to the allegations, restrictions on public transport continued despite the court’s order against a complete prohibition on metro and railway services.
The Centre, however, informed the court that entry and exit restrictions were imposed at 45 of Delhi Metro’s 303 stations on October 10.
Over 7,000 People Detained During CJP Protest
The controversy follows the CJP’s planned protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstration was linked to allegations of irregularities in the Election Commission’s functioning and the revision of electoral rolls.
Authorities detained more than 7,000 people during the security crackdown, according to reports. Several political leaders, activists and others were also reportedly detained.
Petitioners have alleged that the action extended beyond areas covered by prohibitory orders and affected peaceful protesters. These allegations remain subject to judicial consideration.
Supreme Court Emphasises Public Rights
During its earlier hearing on October 11, the Supreme Court directed authorities to prevent unlawful detentions and ensure that metro, railway and internet services functioned normally, subject to lawful restrictions.
The court also stressed the importance of allowing lawyers and journalists to perform their professional duties without obstruction.
With the next hearing scheduled for October 15, the court is expected to consider the Centre’s response and the allegations concerning compliance with its earlier directions.