NEW DELHI – India's Supreme Court on Friday, October 9, 2026, issued a directive to the Centre, instructing authorities not to completely suspend Delhi Metro and train services in anticipation of a major protest scheduled for Saturday, October 10. The court's intervention underscores a commitment to balancing the right to peaceful demonstration with the essential needs of public convenience.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard petitions challenging the sweeping restrictions announced ahead of the planned demonstration. The protest, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other opposition groups, aims to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Court Emphasizes Proportionality in Public Transport
The Supreme Court stressed the principle of proportionality, asserting that public transport services should be regulated rather than subjected to a blanket prohibition. This approach aims to minimize disruption for commuters across the national capital while allowing for security measures.
“We make it clear that there shall be no complete prohibition on movement of metro/trains. A considered decision may be taken to allow metro and other rails in an aptly regulated manner so that no inconvenience is caused to the public at large and such decision shall be given wide publicity,” the court stated in its order.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that he would urge authorities to reconsider the restrictions and permit services to operate in a regulated manner. The bench further directed that any decisions regarding service regulation be widely publicized through newspapers and websites to prevent hardship for the public.
Protest Context and Earlier Concerns
Concerns had mounted following announcements of proposed closures for 57 Metro stations and the cancellation of trains arriving in Delhi, alongside other stringent security measures. Senior advocates, including Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, had argued that such extensive restrictions could paralyze large parts of Delhi and impede citizens' freedom of movement.
An earlier hearing on Friday saw the Supreme Court express reservations about the sweeping nature of the restrictions, highlighting the critical need to strike a balance between citizens' right to protest and the imperatives of maintaining public order. The court also questioned the legality of holding demonstrations without prior permission, emphasizing that lawful protests must operate within established legal frameworks.
Authorities are now expected to issue revised advisories, allowing commuters to plan their journeys with more certainty as the capital prepares for the upcoming protest.