New Delhi: The proposed closure of 57 Delhi Metro stations and cancellation of trains ahead of a protest scheduled for October 10 reached the Supreme Court on Friday, with senior advocates questioning the scale of restrictions imposed across the national capital.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard submissions by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby. Sibal argued that citizens have a fundamental right to protest and raised concerns about the disruption of public transport.
Senior advocates Abhishek Singhvi and Prashant Bhushan also urged the court to take note of the restrictions and barricading in Delhi.
Why Was The Delhi Metro Closure Issue Raised In The Supreme Court?
Sibal told the bench that, according to the information available to the petitioners, authorities had planned to close 57 Metro stations and cancel trains arriving in Delhi ahead of the protest.
He argued that the restrictions could affect ordinary citizens across the city. Singhvi and Bhushan also raised concerns about the scale of the measures and the impact on public movement.
The plea comes after Delhi Police asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to close entry and exit gates at 57 stations and reduce train frequency at affected locations. The proposed restrictions were linked to concerns about crowd movement towards sensitive areas during the planned demonstration.
What Did The Supreme Court Say About The Protest?
Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the court could seek details from the organisers, including the expected number of participants, and consider whether the gathering could be regulated.
The bench stressed that any decision on restrictions required hearing the relevant parties and balancing competing interests. It also observed that a protest held without permission would not be in accordance with the law.
The court sought details about the planned gathering before considering the concerns raised over the transport restrictions. Subsequent reporting said the bench questioned why the police decision denying permission for the protest had not itself been challenged.
What Is The October 10 Protest About?
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and student organisations have called for a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, seeking his resignation over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.
The allegations surrounding the electoral roll revision remain contested. The Election Commission and the BJP have denied allegations of wrongdoing.
Delhi Police denied permission for the proposed demonstration, citing concerns related to public order, safety and traffic management. Security arrangements were stepped up ahead of the planned gathering.
What Happens Next In The Delhi Metro Case?
The lawyers indicated that they would return to the Supreme Court at 2 pm with a formal petition challenging the proposed closure of Metro stations, road restrictions and barricading.
The court’s observations should not be read as an order cancelling the proposed restrictions. The next step depends on the formal proceedings and any directions issued by the court or the relevant authorities.
Commuters travelling through Delhi on October 10 should check official Metro and railway updates before setting out, as restrictions and train operations may affect their journeys.
