सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने मेट्रो‑रेल बंदी को अस्वीकार किया, प्रोटेस्ट से पहले सेवाएँ जारी रखने का आदेश

SC says restrictions cannot be reconsidered unless denial of permission for CJP protest is challenged.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday raised concerns over the closure of Metro station entry gates ahead of the October 10 CJP protest in Delhi, saying the restrictions would affect thousands of commuters.The court pointed out that students, employees and senior citizens travelling from Gurugram, Greater Noida and other parts of Delhi-NCR would be among those affected."Everybody does not have a car⦠You cannot bring everything to a halt and leave people without any transport facility," Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said.The apex court also asked the Centre to ensure that train services to Delhi and metro operations are not completely suspended ahead of the October 10 protest."We make it clear that there shall be no complete prohibition on movement of metro trains," Supreme Court said.SC said services should continue in a regulated manner to minimise inconvenience to the public.The observations came as a team of senior advocates led by Kapil Sibal moved the Supreme Court against the cancellation of trains and proposed closure of Metro stations ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

During an earlier hearing, a bench led by CJI Surya Kant had questioned why the protesters had not challenged Delhi Police's decision to deny permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar.The court observed that it could not consider easing the restrictions unless the denial of permission was challenged."If there is no permission for protests, it will be an unlawful protest," Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed.Sibal, appearing for CPM MP M A Baby, argued that every citizen had the right to protest, even spontaneously.The Supreme Court said the right to peaceful protest at a designated place existed, but holding a demonstration without permission could expose protesters to prosecution.The bench also indicated that it could consider easing the restrictions if the organisers challenged the denial of permission and gave assurances about the gathering.The court said it could seek details about the number of people expected to attend, along with undertakings that protesters would remain peaceful and not carry weapons.Such assurances could allow the court to reconsider restrictions imposed over possible law and order concerns.Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned Delhi Police's decision to deny permission for the protest.He argued that Jantar Mantar was a designated protest site and police permission was not required to hold a demonstration there.Dipke also criticised the Centre over the cancellation of trains to Delhi ahead of Saturday's protest."Shut down entire country if you are scared of youth," he said, taking aim at the government over the restrictions.Delhi Police had earlier denied permission for the proposed protest, citing short notice, alleged violations during a previous demonstration and concerns over public safety, law and order and traffic management.Joint commissioner of police Nupur Prasad said the police had received an application from CJP co-convener Saurav Das seeking permission for a protest over the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner."This intimation was considered, and it was found that the intimation was given in a very short span of time, whereas as per the prescribed guideline, the intimation has to be received 10 days prior to the protest that is planned," she said.Prasad also pointed to the party's conduct during an earlier protest at the same venue."Further, it is also important to mention that on an earlier occasion, when the Cockroach Janta Party was given permission to hold a protest there, they did not follow the lawful directions and did not follow their own undertakings given at that point in time," she said.

She added that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows preventive restrictions to maintain public order, was in force in the New Delhi area.Police warned that anyone violating the restrictions could face legal action.The restrictions come ahead of Saturday's planned CJP protest, with several trains to New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin cancelled and restrictions proposed at Metro stations.

Priyanka Mukherjee is an Assistant News Editor at The Times of India, where deadlines rarely slow down. Often juggling breaking news, long-form explainers and the everyday chaos of the newsroom, she is usually managing stress, chasing clarity and trying to log off on time (rarely successful). She also cares deeply about stories around womenâs rights and social change, while two very opinionated dogs make sure she never truly switches off.

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