Supreme Court Orders Normal Delhi Metro Operations Amid Protests, Directs Authorities to Protect Public Movement
The Supreme Court of India has directed authorities to ensure normal operations of the Delhi Metro and railway services amid protests in the national capital. The court emphasised that public transport may be regulated when necessary to maintain law and order, but should not be suspended entirely.
A special bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana issued the directions on Sunday while hearing petitions alleging restrictions on public movement, mass detentions and possible violations of the court’s earlier orders concerning transport services during protests.
The court’s intervention follows demonstrations organised against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission of India. Security restrictions introduced ahead of the protests had affected access to several Metro stations and railway services, raising concerns about inconvenience to commuters and the public.
On October 9, the Supreme Court had directed authorities to reconsider restrictions that included the proposed closure of 57 Metro stations. The court stressed that essential transport services could be regulated to address security concerns, but a complete shutdown should be avoided.
During Sunday’s hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that Metro services were operating normally and that all stations had reopened by 10 p.m. on Saturday. He disputed allegations that the network had been completely shut down, while acknowledging that restrictions had affected access to some stations.
The court also directed authorities to ensure that people could move freely across Delhi, subject to traffic regulations and lawful restrictions necessary to maintain public order. It ordered an immediate review of barricades and other measures that could unnecessarily obstruct movement.
Addressing allegations of police action against demonstrators, the bench emphasised that individuals participating in peaceful and unarmed assemblies must not be detained except in accordance with the procedure established by law. The court’s directions seek to ensure that security measures do not unlawfully interfere with citizens’ rights.
The Supreme Court further directed that internet services remain uninterrupted, subject to applicable law, and that lawyers must be allowed to perform their professional duties without obstruction. It also stressed the importance of ensuring access to courts, including the ability of lawyers and litigants to enter and leave court premises.
The hearing followed allegations by lawyers that protesters had been detained, public transport access had been restricted and some individuals had faced excessive force. These claims were presented during the proceedings and remain subject to the legal process.
The bench issued notices to the authorities named in a contempt petition alleging non-compliance with its earlier directions. The concerned authorities have been asked to submit their responses and a compliance report by October 13, 2026.
The court’s directions underline the need to balance public safety with the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of movement and access to justice. While authorities retain the power to impose lawful security restrictions, the court has made clear that essential public services should continue operating wherever possible.
Further proceedings are expected to examine the allegations of non-compliance and the legality of the restrictions imposed during the protests.
