Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Supreme Court Orders Delhi Protest Safeguards, Normal Services
The Supreme Court heard complaints about how officials handled a protest in Delhi.
People said protesters had been detained and that transport and internet services were disrupted.
The court said peaceful people should not be detained unless the law allows it.
It directed officials to restore normal Metro and train services and internet access, while allowing lawful public-safety limits.
Officials must review barricades and let people move around under traffic rules.
Lawyers and journalists should be able to do their jobs.
Peaceful gatherings should be allowed where the law permits.
The court asked officials to respond to allegations and scheduled related cases for October 13.
On October 11, the Supreme Court directed authorities not to illegally detain people gathering peacefully.
The court called for normal Delhi Metro and railway services, uninterrupted internet subject to lawful restrictions, and free movement subject to traffic rules.
Authorities were told to review barricades and remove any Section 163 notices near courts that remained in place.
The bench said lawyers, journalists and others must not be impeded in their professional duties and peaceful assemblies should be allowed in accordance with law.
The court issued notice to the Centre over contempt allegations; connected detention petitions were scheduled to be heard with the main cases on October 13.
- Who
- The Supreme Court bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana; the Centre and other authorities named in the proceedings.
- What
- The court issued directions on detentions, public transport, internet, movement, barricades, court access and professional duties, and sought responses to contempt allegations.
- When
- The special hearing took place on October 11; connected matters were scheduled for October 13.
- Where
- Delhi, including areas around the Supreme Court and other courts.
- Why
- Petitions alleged illegal detentions, excessive force and restrictions on transport and internet during the October 10 protest.
Petitioners and protest supporters
Authorities and public-order position
Detentions and police conduct
Petitioners and protest supporters
Petitioners and lawyers alleged mass or illegal detentions, harassment and excessive force. A lawyer said she and other lawyers were walking peacefully when four were taken away; Menaka Guruswamy cited reports of around 7,000 detentions.
Authorities and public-order position
The court sought responses and a compliance report from officials. The articles provide no detailed official rebuttal to these allegations.
Transport and internet restrictions
Petitioners and protest supporters
Petitioners alleged Metro, rail and internet disruptions impeded movement and citizens' rights, and raised concerns about compliance with the court's earlier order.
Authorities and public-order position
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said entry and exit were restricted at 45 of 303 Metro stations. The court allowed restrictions when justified by law and public order.
Peaceful protest and public order
Petitioners and protest supporters
Petitioners sought relief from restrictions they said obstructed peaceful assembly, access to courts and professional duties.
Authorities and public-order position
The court said assemblies must comply with law, allowed lawful public-order restrictions and reminded protesters to remain peaceful and not instigate others.
- Hearing
- Special Supreme Court sitting on October 11.
- Bench
- Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana.
- Protest
- Held on October 10 against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Election Commission's functioning.
- Detention allegations
- Petitioners cited reports of around 7,000 detentions; the articles say authorities had not provided official figures.
- Metro restrictions
- The Solicitor General said entry and exit were restricted at 45 of 303 Metro stations on October 10.
- Court directions
- Authorities were told to review barricades, allow movement subject to traffic regulations, and remove remaining Section 163 notices near courts.
- Next hearing
- Habeas corpus petitions alleging mass detentions and connected matters were scheduled with the main cases on October 13.
Sources
CJP protest: SC orders barricade review, normal Metro services, bars illegal detentions
SC restores people’s faith in justice system: Sibal
Kapil Sibal welcomes SC directions on Delhi protests, says order restores faith in judiciary
Delhi Protest: SC directs no illegal detention of peaceful protesters, normal metro-rail services, free movement, internet
CJP stir: Ensure Metro, Internet; no illegal detentions, SC tells Centre
‘Restores people’s faith in justice system’: Sibal after SC’s directions to govt on protests