Brief
Supreme Court bars illegal detentions, orders normal metro service amid Delhi CEC protests
An interim order on Sunday directed that detainees be released, transport run, and lawyers work freely during protests over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an interim order directing that people peacefully assembling to protest in Delhi must not be illegally detained, that metro and railway services operate normally, and that internet services remain undisturbed in accordance with law.
A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard petitions challenging the detention of protesters and restrictions on public transport during Saturday’s demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Lawyers argued that police had detained persons beyond the four‑kilometre prohibited area, suspended mobile internet in central Delhi, and blocked lawyers from moving freely.
Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, who filed the petition, questioned whether a state of emergency had been imposed, noting that young people took to the streets because they believed “the electoral system was not free and fair”. Advocate Kapil Sibal told the court that protesters were being picked up from trains and from outside the restricted zone.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta responded that there had been “no curtailment” of metro services on Saturday, citing “zero reduction in the total volume of metro” and that entry‑exit regulations were limited to 45 stations, with any closed station’s neighbour remaining open.
The court also ordered that lawyers not be obstructed, that free movement of people and traffic be permitted, and that authorities submit a short affidavit explaining why contempt proceedings should not be initiated. The case is scheduled for further hearing on Tuesday.
Key facts
- The Supreme Court ordered that peaceful protesters not be illegally detained. (scroll.in)
- Metro and railway services were directed to operate normally in Delhi. (scroll.in)
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said there was no reduction in metro volume on Saturday. (scroll.in)
- The bench hearing the case consisted of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana. (scroll.in)
- Further hearing is set for Tuesday. (scroll.in)
Sources
- [1] scroll.in — originally reported as “SC interim order bars ‘illegal’ detentions, directs normal metro, rail services amid CEC protests”
