The Supreme Court on Sunday instructed the Union government to ensure peaceful demonstrators are not subjected to unlawful detention, ordering authorities to maintain regular Delhi Metro operations and uninterrupted internet connectivity subject to prevailing law and order conditions.
A bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also ruled that journalists, advocates, and other professionals must not be hindered from executing their official responsibilities in the capital.
The directives followed a massive security crackdown on Saturday, during which law enforcement personnel detained more than 7,000 demonstrators across the city. Those taken into custody ahead of a planned gathering at Jantar Mantar included Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijit Dipke, political opposition figures, and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee.
Contempt Notice Issued To Union Government
Alongside its operational directives, the top court issued notice to the Centre on a petition seeking contempt proceedings against administrative authorities. The plea accused officials of breaching an October 9 court order that regulated curbs on rail and metro transport across Delhi.
According to applications submitted to the bench, authorities severely disrupted metro transit, shuttered both New Delhi and Nizamuddin railway stations, and carried out arbitrary detentions and harassment against citizens on October 10.
The demonstrations were organized jointly by the Cockroach Janta Party and various student groups to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging administrative irregularities within the Election Commission of India.
Legal Fraternity Welcomes Judicial Intervention
Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal voiced support for the bench’s directions on Sunday. Sibal remarked that the Supreme Court’s ruling had restored the confidence of both the general public and legal professionals in the Indian judicial system.
