CJI Says SC Could Consider Plea On Metro Station Closures After Inaction

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Thursday said the Supreme Court may consider judicial intervention over the closure of Delhi Metro stations, including the Supreme Court metro station, if authorities fail to resolve difficulties faced by lawyers and court staff in accessing the court complex. The CJI said he had already issued administrative directions to concerned authorities to explore a solution to the issue.

He added that efforts were being made to resolve the matter by lunchtime, failing which the court would consider taking it up on the judicial side. The issue was raised before a bench headed by CJI Surya Kant at the start of proceedings by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president and senior advocate Vikas Singh. He highlighted the inconvenience caused to members of the legal community due to restrictions on access to the metro station near the court. Singh said the closure of the Supreme Court metro station by police authorities had severely affected the movement of lawyers, court staff and other stakeholders who regularly visit the court complex.

He suggested that instead of a complete shutdown, access could be regulated through proper verification procedures. The SCBA president proposed allowing lawyers and registry officials to use the station after verification through their Supreme Court proximity cards. He also suggested that security screening could be carried out at exit points to maintain safety while ensuring smoother access to the court premises. The closure of metro stations in parts of Delhi has led to concerns among daily commuters and professionals who depend on public transport for regular travel.

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The Supreme Court metro station, located close to the court complex, is particularly important for lawyers, litigants and court employees. CJI Surya Kant’s remarks indicate that the Supreme Court is closely monitoring the issue and is willing to intervene if administrative measures fail to provide relief. The Chief Justice emphasised that authorities should find a practical solution that balances security requirements with the need for accessibility.

The matter comes amid heightened security arrangements in parts of the national capital due to ongoing protests and law-and-order concerns. Authorities have periodically restricted access to certain locations as part of security measures, affecting public movement in some areas. The Supreme Court’s possible intervention could lead to discussions between court officials, police authorities and other agencies to find a solution that allows regulated access while maintaining security protocols. For now, the court has given authorities time to address the concerns raised by the legal community.

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