Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Supreme Court Seeks Responses Over Delhi Protest Restrictions
The Supreme Court had told authorities not to completely stop Delhi’s public transport during protests.
Some people told the Court that transport was restricted and thousands of protesters were detained.
The government’s lawyer disagreed that people had been detained illegally and said those concerned had been released.
The Court has not yet decided whether officials disobeyed its earlier directions.
It said metro and train services should generally keep running, though reasonable limits can be used for law and order.
It also said internet services should not be disrupted unlawfully and peaceful gatherings should be allowed according to law.
Lawyers, journalists and other professionals should be able to do their work without obstruction.
The authorities must send written responses by October 13, when the Court will consider the cases again.
The Supreme Court found a prima facie case in a contempt plea alleging authorities breached its October 9 directions during Delhi protests.
Applicants alleged transport and movement restrictions and the detention of about 7,000 people; the Solicitor General disputed illegal-detention claims and said those concerned had been released.
The Court directed metro and railway services to operate normally, while allowing reasonable restrictions for law and order, and said internet services should remain undisturbed as per law.
It also said peaceful assemblies and professional duties should not be obstructed unlawfully, and directed authorities to review barricades and remove a notice board about Section 163 near the Court.
Authorities must submit counter-affidavits and a compliance report by October 13, when the contempt and habeas corpus matters are due for further consideration.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, applicants alleging breaches, and the authorities named in the contempt plea; Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the Centre.
- What
- The Court issued contempt notices and notice in a habeas corpus petition concerning alleged protest-related restrictions and detentions.
- When
- The alleged restrictions and detentions concerned protests on October 10; responses are due October 13.
- Where
- Delhi, including its metro, railway facilities and areas around the Supreme Court.
- Why
- Applicants alleged authorities breached the Court’s October 9 directions by restricting transport and movement and detaining protesters.
Applicants’ allegations
Centre’s response
Transport and movement restrictions
Applicants’ allegations
Applicants alleged metro and railway services were disrupted and movement was restricted contrary to the October 9 directions.
Centre’s response
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said trains operated as scheduled and 45 of 303 metro stations were closed for law and order, with services later functioning normally.
Detention of protesters
Applicants’ allegations
Applicants raised concerns about approximately 7,000 detentions and alleged protesters were unlawfully detained.
Centre’s response
Mehta denied illegal detention and said the individuals concerned had been released.
- Earlier directions
- The Supreme Court issued directions on October 9 against a complete prohibition on metro and train services to Delhi.
- Metro closures
- The Solicitor General said 45 of Delhi’s 303 metro stations had been closed for law-and-order reasons; applicants alleged stations were shut in breach of the Court’s directions.
- Detention claims
- Applicants raised claims that approximately 7,000 people had been detained; the Solicitor General disputed illegal detention and said those concerned had been released.
- Court's finding
- The Court said the contempt petition made out a prima facie case; it has not made a final finding of contempt.
- Court directions
- Metro and railway services should operate normally, subject to reasonable restrictions; internet services should remain undisturbed as per law.
- Response deadline
- The alleged contemnors must file counter-affidavits and a compliance report by October 13.
- Next consideration
- The contempt proceedings and habeas corpus petition are scheduled for further consideration on October 13.
