Contempt plea filed against Delhi Metro over station closures despite SC order

A contempt plea in the Supreme Court has accused DMRC of keeping metro stations shut despite the court's order. The petition questions whether station access curbs linked to the CJP protest breached judicial directions.

In Short

• Advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi moves the petition over restriction and violation
• He offers video footage from GTB Nagar metro station as evidence of violation
• Earlier, the court warned that a complete transport shutdown could inconvenience commuters

A contempt petition has been filed in the Supreme Court alleging that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) violated the court's directions by keeping several metro stations closed despite an order against a complete suspension of services.

The petition was filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who alleged that the continued closure of metro station gates amounted to wilful disobedience of the Supreme Court's directions. He has also said that a video showing the situation at GTB Nagar metro station would be submitted as evidence.

The development comes amid security restrictions imposed in Delhi in view of a protest called by the Cockroach Janata Party against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar on October 10.

Authorities had initially planned to close 57 metro stations, but the number was subsequently reduced to 45. However, restrictions on access to the stations allegedly continued, prompting the petitioner to question whether the measures complied with the Supreme Court's directions.

WHAT THE SUPREME COURT SAID EARLIER

The contempt plea follows a hearing on Friday, October 9, during which the Supreme Court cautioned the authorities against imposing sweeping restrictions on public transport.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made it clear that metro services should not be completely suspended. Instead, the authorities were directed to regulate operations in a manner that would minimise inconvenience to the public.

During the hearing, the court observed that authorities should not use a sledgehammer to kill a fly, emphasising that security measures must remain proportionate to the situation.

The bench acknowledged that the administration had the authority to regulate public movement and transport for security reasons. However, it stressed that a complete shutdown would cause hardship to ordinary commuters, students and working people.

The court asked the government and the administration to consider ways to address security concerns without imposing a blanket restriction on public transport.

PLEA QUESTIONS CONTINUED CLOSURES

In his petition, Tripathi has alleged that despite the Supreme Court's clear directions, several metro stations remained closed, effectively denying commuters access to the services.

He has argued that keeping the stations shut even after the court's directions amounted to deliberate disobedience. The video footage from GTB Nagar station is intended to support his allegations, according to the petitioner's statement.

The allegations are yet to be adjudicated by the Supreme Court.

- Ends