The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Centre and the concerned authorities to ensure that Delhi Metro and railway services are not completely suspended ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) planned protest on October 10. The court stressed that public transport must continue under appropriate regulation to maintain law and order while reducing inconvenience to commuters. It clarified that restrictions imposed for security reasons should not automatically result in a complete halt to essential transport services across the national capital.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made the observations while hearing a plea challenging restrictions imposed in Delhi ahead of the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The judges highlighted the distinction between imposing a blanket prohibition on movement and regulating transport operations to address potential law-and-order concerns.

The court’s directions focused on ensuring that authorities maintain necessary security arrangements without creating avoidable difficulties for residents, commuters and other people travelling through the city. The CJP has called for the October 10 protest to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The planned demonstration has prompted restrictions in the national capital, including measures affecting transport and traffic movement. The plea before the Supreme Court challenged these restrictions, raising concerns about their impact on the public. The court considered how the authorities could manage the situation while protecting public convenience and allowing essential services to function.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that he would urge the authorities to reconsider the restrictions and allow Metro and railway services to operate in a suitably regulated manner. He indicated that the arrangements should be reviewed in accordance with the principle of proportionality, taking into account the need to maintain order and avoid excessive disruption.

After recording the assurance, the bench said there should be no complete prohibition on the movement of Metro trains. The direction underscored the need to regulate services rather than stop them altogether. The Supreme Court also directed the authorities to give wide publicity to revised decisions concerning Metro and railway operations. It said commuters should receive clear information about the arrangements so they can plan their journeys and avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

Also Read: Delhi Protest Restrictions: Supreme Court Plea Targets Metro Closures And Train Cancellations

The bench extended its directions to road traffic, asking officials to issue similar public advisories about movement across Delhi. Authorities were also told to revisit road barricading arrangements and identify alternative routes. These routes should be publicised so that people travelling for work, education, medical needs and other purposes can make informed decisions about their journeys.

The directions seek to ensure that people are informed about transport restrictions and available alternatives while authorities make arrangements for the planned protest. Public advisories can help commuters understand which routes remain accessible and whether transport services are operating under revised conditions. The court’s observations also make clear that maintaining law and order must be balanced against the need to keep essential public services functioning.

However, the available details of the hearing do not specify the final operational arrangements for individual Metro stations, railway services or roads. Those decisions remain with the competent authorities, subject to the court’s directions. In a separate direction, the Supreme Court asked the competent authority to consider designating an alternative venue for peaceful protests instead of Jantar Mantar.

The bench observed that it was “high time” another place equipped with adequate amenities for peaceful protesters was identified and designated. The suggestion reflects the need to provide demonstrators with a suitable location while limiting disruption to public movement and essential services. Mehta informed the court that the competent authority would consider the proposal and take an appropriate decision.

The bench asked the authorities to examine the possibility and decide on an alternative location. No final decision on a replacement venue was specified in the information available from the hearing. The court’s directions place responsibility on the authorities to review transport restrictions, communicate changes clearly and consider better arrangements for peaceful demonstrations.

Ahead of the CJP protest on October 10, the immediate focus is on ensuring that Metro and railway services are not completely stopped, traffic advisories are widely circulated and alternative routes are identified. The proposal for another protest venue will also require consideration by the competent authority. The Supreme Court’s observations emphasise a balance between security measures, the right to peaceful assembly and the everyday needs of people relying on public transport in Delhi.

Also Read: Delhi Protest Restrictions Dispute Reaches Supreme Court As CJP And Student Groups Are Summoned