CJP Jantar Mantar Protest: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre and Delhi authorities to ensure that there is no complete prohibition on metro services and Delhi-bound trains in view of the Cockroach Janta Party's protest on October 10, saying that the restrictions can impact thousands of commuters who depend on the Metro for their travel.
"Everybody does not have a car. You cannot bring everything to a halt and leave people without any transport facility," the CJI said, while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the curbs ahead of the CJP protest.
A bench headed by CJI Surya Kant further asked the authorities to allow metro and train services in a regulated manner to avoid any inconvenience to commuters.
"We make it clear that no complete prohibition of movement of Metro should be imposed. The Solicitor General has fairly agreed to impress upon the authorities to reconsider the prohibition and allow Metro and other trains in such a regulated manner so that no inconvenience is caused to residents of Delhi, keeping in mind the principles of proportionality," the court said.
"Solicitor, we are mainly concerned about the complete closure of these metro station entries. We have serious concerns about this. Our concern is not with respect to any protesters or any individual," the CJI said.
"Our concern is about the hundreds and thousands of commuters who come from Gurugram, Greater Noida, East Delhi and South Delhi to Delhi for their livelihood. They are students, employees and senior citizens who travel by public transport. We are speaking on behalf of the common citizens of this city," he added.
The bench further asked the authorities to "exercise caution", directing them to maintain a free flow of traffic during the day. "One should not use a hammer to kill a fly," the CJI said during the hearing.
The top court also asked the authorities to publicise the revised security through newspapers, official websites and other platforms.
"We direct that due publicity be given to the considered decision taken by the authorities regarding the movement of metro trains and other railway services in a suitably regulated manner, so that inconvenience to the public at large is minimised."
The apex court's directions came amid restrictions imposed in Delhi ahead of the proposed October 10 protests. The bench underscored the need to balance security considerations with the public''s ability to access essential transport services.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned the matter for urgent hearing regarding the restrictions imposed in Delhi ahead of the October 10 protest called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Sibal, appearing for petitioners, flagged the cancellation of trains to Delhi, closure of metro stations, internet curbs and restrictions on hotel bookings. "What is happening to my country?" he asked.
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"All trains have been cancelled, 57 metro stations are shut, people are being denied accommodation in hotels, and Nizamuddin has been closed. RWAs are reportedly being told not to allow people to step out. What is happening to my country? This is a peaceful protest. How can this be allowed to happen?" said Sibal.