Supreme Court Orders Normal Delhi Metro Operations Amid Protests, Directs Authorities to Protect Public Movement
The Supreme Court of India on Sunday, October 11, 2026, directed authorities to ensure normal Delhi Metro and railway operations amid protests in the national capital. The court also called for uninterrupted internet services, free movement of people and protection against unlawful detention, emphasising that security measures must remain within the framework of the law.
A bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana issued the directions while hearing petitions alleging excessive police action, mass detentions and restrictions on public transport during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission of India.
The protests, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party and other groups, had prompted extensive security arrangements across Delhi ahead of a planned gathering at Jantar Mantar on October 10. Authorities had restricted access at several Metro stations and taken other measures to prevent disruptions during the demonstrations.
The court reiterated that Metro and railway services could be regulated when necessary to maintain public order, but should not be suspended entirely. It stressed that restrictions must be proportionate to the situation and should not cause unnecessary inconvenience to ordinary commuters.
The proceedings followed an earlier Supreme Court order on October 9, when the court directed authorities to reconsider plans to close 57 Metro stations and restrict railway services ahead of the demonstrations. The court had emphasised that regulating transport was different from imposing a complete prohibition on its operation.
During Sunday’s hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that Metro services had been operating normally since 10 pm on Saturday. He disputed allegations that the network had been substantially curtailed, stating that entry and exit restrictions had affected 45 of the network’s 303 stations on October 10.
However, petitioners alleged that transport restrictions and police action had obstructed the movement of citizens, protesters, lawyers and journalists. They also raised concerns about the detention of peaceful demonstrators and sought action over alleged non-compliance with the court’s earlier directions.
The Supreme Court directed authorities to ensure that individuals were not detained except in accordance with established legal procedures, particularly when participating in peaceful and unarmed assemblies outside areas covered by valid prohibitory orders. The bench also called for a review of barricading arrangements, subject to public safety and traffic requirements.
The court further directed that internet services remain undisturbed in accordance with the law. It emphasised that lawyers must be allowed to perform their professional duties and that access to courts, including entry and exit, should not be obstructed by unnecessary restrictions.
Authorities were also asked to remove a notice concerning prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita from the area around the Supreme Court, if it had not already been removed. The direction was intended to ensure that citizens and legal professionals could approach courts without apprehension.
The bench issued notices to the authorities named in the contempt proceedings and sought responses and compliance reports concerning the implementation of its earlier order. The matter is scheduled for further consideration on October 13, 2026.
The latest directions underline the legal balance between maintaining public order and protecting constitutional freedoms. While authorities retain the power to impose lawful restrictions when necessary, the Supreme Court has made clear that peaceful protests, public transportation and the everyday movement of citizens should not be subjected to blanket prohibitions without adequate legal justification.
