Politics · India Bureau
Supreme Court orders restoration of Delhi Metro, internet amid protest crackdown
India's apex court has directed authorities to ensure normal functioning of Delhi Metro and uninterrupted internet services while cautioning against illegal detention of peaceful protesters. The order came during a special sitting as the bench examined alleged violations of an earlier court directive.
LSN India ·
The Supreme Court on Sunday issued strict instructions to restore essential services in Delhi, directing that the Metro railway operate on its normal schedule and that internet connectivity remain unaffected, subject to law and order requirements. A bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to comply with the orders during a special hearing convened to address urgent applications.
The court's intervention followed allegations that authorities had violated its October 9 directive against imposing a "complete prohibition" on metro and train services in the national capital during ongoing protests. The bench also expressed concern over reports of mass detentions, emphasizing that individuals gathering peacefully must not face illegal detention.
During the hearing, senior counsel representing petitioners alleged flagrant violations of the court's earlier orders, noting that both Delhi Metro and key railway stations including New Delhi and Nizamuddin had been shut down. The court took cognizance of these submissions and sought immediate compliance from the Centre's legal representatives.
The bench's intervention underscores judicial efforts to balance public safety concerns with the protection of citizens' fundamental rights. By directing restoration of services while maintaining law and order protocols, the court has sought to establish parameters within which dissent can be expressed without imposing blanket restrictions on essential infrastructure.