Supreme Court Orders Restoration of Internet Amid Protests on October 11, 2026
The Supreme Court intervenes to restore internet and metro services in Delhi as protests against Chief Election Commissioner escalate.
Supreme Court halts illegal detentions and mandates restoration of services.
CJP leaders vow to continue protests nationwide, citing an emergency-like situation.
Delhi Police registers multiple FIRs related to the protests, including arrests for assaults.
On October 11, 2026, the Supreme Court of India issued a directive to restore internet and metro services in Delhi, following widespread protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The court emphasized that peaceful gatherings should not result in illegal detentions, responding to a plea concerning the ongoing protests that have drawn significant public attention.
The protests erupted after allegations of irregularities in the electoral rolls, with CJP leaders claiming that the government is suppressing dissent. Saurav Das, a prominent figure within the CJP, asserted that the authorities had unlawfully detained them and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of creating a climate of fear. He stated, "The protests are on... Protests will happen not just in Delhi but the whole country."
In a special session, the Supreme Court directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that the Delhi Metro operates normally and that internet services are restored, contingent on maintaining law and order. This ruling came amid reports of police detaining several student activists who attempted to join the protests, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the demonstrations.
The impact of these protests has been felt across the region, with various political leaders voicing their support for the demonstrators. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal praised the Supreme Court's intervention, stating it restored public faith in the justice system. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called for the release of detained students, criticizing the government's heavy-handed approach to dissent.
Looking ahead, the CJP has announced plans for continued protests, with significant demonstrations expected on October 12, 2026. AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal described the upcoming protests as a "second freedom struggle" aimed at safeguarding democracy and voting rights. As tensions rise, the situation remains fluid, with both supporters and opponents of the protests preparing for further actions in the coming days.
