In a special sitting on Sunday, the Supreme Court bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard petitions challenging the Delhi curbs imposed during the Cockroach Janta Party protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The bench ordered the centre to lift the ban on metro services across 45 stations and to allow trains to Nizamuddin and New Delhi stations from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 10, and to remove BNSS Section 163 restrictions around the court.
Earlier this week Delhi police had shut 45 metro stations, halted all arrivals at Nizamuddin and New Delhi stations, rerouted traffic and detained thousands of protesters, many of whom were taken beyond the official prohibitory zone. The curbs were justified as a necessary measure to curb public disorder during the protest.
The court reiterated that metro rails should operate unless public order demands otherwise, that traffic regulation must permit free movement, and that internet services should remain undisturbed. It warned that illegal detentions are prohibited, except when lawfully justified, and urged police to limit violence and keep protest peaceful.
Among those detained was a 28‑year‑old Gurugram student who said he was searched without cause and that the curbs violated his fundamental rights. The CJP leadership, including Abhijeet Dipke, demanded the court’s decision be enforced immediately, while police spokesperson Rahul Khatri said authorities would comply with the directives.
The court has requested a compliance report from the Centre by Tuesday, after which it will review the implementation of its orders and decide on further action.