Supreme Court Petition Filed Against Delhi's Train and Metro Shutdown Ahead of Protests
A plea has been submitted to the Supreme Court challenging the cancellation of train services and metro operations in Delhi ahead of the October 10 protests.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal filed an urgent petition against the cancellation of transport services in Delhi.
57 metro stations will be closed, and numerous trains have been canceled ahead of planned protests.
The Delhi High Court has adjourned a similar petition until Monday, prompting the Supreme Court intervention.
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court contesting the recent cancellation of train services and metro operations in Delhi, scheduled ahead of protests on October 10 against the Chief Election Commissioner. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, urged the Court for an immediate hearing, citing the urgency of the situation as various trains are set to arrive in the capital during the protest period.
The context of this legal challenge arises from the government's decision to halt train services to New Delhi and Nizamuddin stations, alongside the closure of 57 metro stations across the city from 9 PM onwards. This action is seen as a preemptive measure against the anticipated protests organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Sibal expressed concern over the implications of these restrictions, questioning the rationale behind such drastic measures in a democratic society.
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Surya Kant inquired about the possibility of addressing the matter in the Delhi High Court, to which Sibal responded that a similar petition had already been filed there but was postponed until Monday. The bench emphasized the importance of understanding whether the protests had received the necessary permissions, as unauthorized gatherings could lead to legal repercussions for participants.
The implications of these restrictions extend beyond the immediate inconvenience to commuters and residents. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan highlighted the need for the Court to evaluate the proportionality of the imposed measures, suggesting that the restrictions could infringe on citizens' rights to protest. Furthermore, Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi pointed out the unprecedented nature of the security measures being implemented, including the deployment of 221 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies and the establishment of detention centers.
Looking ahead, the Supreme Court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for 2 PM, where Sibal and other lawyers are expected to present additional details, including potential evidence of the protest organizers. The Court may also consider involving the Delhi High Court to expedite the resolution of this urgent matter, as the situation continues to evolve with the planned protests approaching.
