Politics
Supreme Court orders normal Delhi Metro service and internet access
The ruling limits how authorities can restrict movement during protests.
The ruling limits how authorities can restrict movement during protests.
Delhi’s protest crackdown affected transport, internet access and freedom of movement. Police also detained protesters and political leaders. The Supreme Court had rejected a total shutdown of Metro and rail services. It said officials could reduce service only when needed to protect . Reports said services were still disrupted and some people were detained outside restricted areas, prompting an urgent hearing. The Court ordered normal Metro and rail service, uninterrupted internet access and freer movement. It also barred of peaceful, unarmed protesters. Officials may impose limited restrictions when requires them. The government said services were restored, but the Court will check whether its earlier orders were followed.
Tushar Mehta told the Court that Metro operations were functioning fully, all stations had reopened, trains were running normally, and internet access had been restored. The Court listed the matters for further hearing, leaving compliance with its directions subject to .
The Court directed normal Metro and rail operations, undisturbed internet access, and free movement, while allowing restrictions justified by public-order concerns under . It also directed authorities to review barricades and apply restrictions narrowly rather than impose .
The Court directed that peaceful and unarmed people could not be detained except through the . It gave particular attention to protesters outside areas where under were in force.
Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana convened a over alleged violations of the Court’s transport order and the detention of protesters and political leaders. The proceedings included a and a challenge connected to the October 10 demonstrations.
Applications to the Supreme Court alleged that Metro and railway services were disrupted despite the October 9 direction, while station closures, blocked movement, and internet restrictions affected access to the protest. Reports also described during the crackdown, although the allegations and official actions were contested.
Authorities deployed police and , erected barricades, restricted movement, and closed or limited access at Metro and railway stations to prevent the unauthorised demonstration from assembling. Police had also detained protest leaders and hundreds of demonstrators, according to reporting.
The Supreme Court directed that Delhi Metro and rail services could not be completely prohibited during the planned Cockroach Janta Party protests. It allowed authorities to reduce service frequency when genuinely necessary to protect , but required a that avoided a total closure.