The Supreme Court on Sunday issued interim directions to ensure the normal functioning of Delhi Metro and railway services, smooth movement of people and uninterrupted internet facilities, while allowing authorities to take necessary measures to maintain law and order. The decision came amid restrictions imposed in parts of the capital due to a protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar.

SC On Barricading And Detention

The top Court said barricading requirements should be reviewed in accordance with the situation and stressed that lawyers must not be obstructed from discharging their professional duties. It also directed authorities to remove restrictions imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in and around the Supreme Court to ensure unhindered access to justice.

"Smooth movement of people in the city shall be permitted in accordance with law. There shall be no illegal detention, particularly of peaceful, unarmed assemblages of people, beyond the area where Section 163 BNSS is in operation. We have been informed that a notice under Section 163 has been imposed in and around the Supreme Court. We direct the authorities to take down the restriction so that there is no apprehension of access to justice with regard to ingress and egress to the Supreme Court," the Court said, as quoted by ANI.

ALSO READ: CJP Protest Day 2: 'I Was Thrashed, Kidnapped From My Home,' YouTuber Dhruv Rathee Shares Ordeal In Viral Video

SC Orders Normal Metro Services

The Court also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that Delhi Metro services continued to operate on their normal schedule and that internet services remained uninterrupted, subject to law and order requirements. It also directed the authorities to ensure that lawyers, journalists and others were not obstructed from performing their professional duties.

The directives came as the Supreme Court heard a batch of pleas challenging the detention of protesters by Delhi Police and paramilitary forces during Saturday protests in the capital. A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also heard a contempt plea alleging wilful disobedience of court orders. The apex Court agreed to hear lawyers representing all parties seeking to raise their concerns.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal flagged the alleged detention of protesters, including people picked up from trains, as well as the suspension of internet services. He referred to the SC's ruling in the Anuradha Bhasin case, which dealt with restrictions on internet access.

ALSO READ: Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, Ashitosh Ranka Get Bail With 1-Year Maintain Peace Clause: Is CJP Protest Movement At Risk?