- CJI Surya Kant warns DMRC on Supreme Court metro opening.
- SC Intervention if station not open by lunchtime today.
- SCBA president said metro closures caused difficulties for lawyers and court staff.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Thursday warned that the apex court would intervene if the Supreme Court metro station is not opened to the public by lunch time on. Amid the ongoing protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at the Jantar Mantar protesting site, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) once suspended metro services at 16 stations for second consecutive day amid security concerns.
The Delhi metro closure issue was raised by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Vikas Singh, who stated that lawyers and court staff were facing difficulties due to the prevailing situation.
Singh suggested that those coming to the Supreme Court, including lawyers and staff can be screened at the stations. "The lawyers or registry staff can be screened at the metro. It is affecting us," Singh said, as quoted by Bar and Bench.
"If by lunch time something does not happen to open it, I will intervene," the CJI remarked.
The CJI further said that he has directed the judges not to pass adverse orders as lawyers may not be able to appear amid the closure due to the protests.
List Of Closed Metro Stations
1. Lok Kalyan Marg
2. Rajiv Chowk
3. Patel Chowk
4. Ramakrishna Ashram Marg
5. Barakhambha Road
6. Supreme Court
7. Seva Teerth
8. Janpath
9. Mandi House
10. Central Secretariat
11. ITO
12. Delhi Gate
13. Indraprastha
14. Khan Market
15. Jor Bagh
16. Shivaji Stadium
CJI Demies Urgent Hearing Of Alleged Police Brutality Against Delhi Protesters
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court had refused to hear a plea challenging police brutality against students protesting under the banner of CJP against the NEET paper leak, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The plea, containing three prayers, was mentioned before the bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymala Bagchi and V Mohana. However, the bench declined an urgent hearing and asked the petitioner "not to waste the time of the court."
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The CJP protesters on Monday clashed with Delhi police when they marched towards the Parliament, demanding accountability on the NEET paper leak issue. The police used lathis and tear gas shells on students at the Jantar Mantar protest site and other adjoining areas in Lutyens Delhi. Several students and policemen suffered injuries, with one 23-year-old woman admitted to the ICU in critical condition at the RML hospital.
The lawyers, who filed the plea against the police action, asked the court if it can be heard tomorrow (Thursday) and presented videos of the assault on the students. "I have the videos as well regarding police brutality. If it can be listed tomorrow (Thursday). Students are there," the lawyer said. However, the CJI declined his request, saying that the bench is not inclined to examine video footage at this stage.