‘Can’t Bring Everything to a Halt’: Supreme Court Says Delhi Metro, Rail Services Must Continue Amid CJP Protest

The Supreme Court asks the Centre to ensure regulated transport services on October 10, with public announcements on Metro operations, traffic movement and alternative routes.

The Supreme Court on Friday, October 9, directed the Centre and the authorities concerned to ensure that Metro and railway services to and from Delhi are not completely suspended ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) proposed protest on October 10, observing that the entire transport network cannot be brought to a standstill.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana asked the Centre to ensure that services continue under appropriate regulation to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The bench emphasised the distinction between imposing a complete prohibition on movement and regulating transport services in view of security concerns surrounding the proposed demonstration.

Recording the submission of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the court noted his assurance that he would urge the authorities to reconsider the proposed restrictions and allow Metro trains and other railway services to operate under suitable regulatory measures.

The court said the arrangements should follow the principle of proportionality, ensuring that security requirements are balanced against the need to minimise disruption to the public.

“In terms of that assurance, we make it clear that there shall be no complete prohibition on the movement of Metro trains,” the bench said.

The Supreme Court also directed the authorities to publicise decisions regarding the regulated operation of Metro and railway services so that commuters are adequately informed and disruption can be minimised.

It called for similar public announcements concerning traffic movement in Delhi. The bench further asked the authorities to review road barricading arrangements and ensure that alternative routes are adequately publicised.

The directions came amid security preparations for the CJP’s proposed October 10 demonstration at Jantar Mantar over alleged electoral irregularities. The Delhi Police had denied permission for the protest and sought consideration of restrictions at 57 Metro stations, including possible closure of entry and exit gates and reduced train frequency.

The court’s directions seek to ensure that security arrangements do not result in a complete suspension of essential transport services, while allowing the authorities to regulate movement as required.