Story perspectives

Supreme Court Orders Public Transit Kept Running During Protest

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 11:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Rahul Gandhi was detained by police during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Authorities cancelled several New Delhi trains and closed 57 Delhi Metro stations before the Jantar Mantar protest.
The Special Intensive Revision removed over 130 million voter names, prompting opposition parties and the “Cockroach” movement to demand Kumar’s resignation.
India’s Supreme Court ordered authorities to keep public transit running and reconsider transport restrictions.

History

Historical Context

In 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a national Emergency, suspending elections and curtailing civil liberties across India. The government arrested over 100,000 opposition activists, while the Election Commission of India postponed voter registration updates for two years. Today's Delhi protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the removal of 130 million voter names, and transit shutdowns echo that 1975 suppression of democratic processes. The Supreme Court of India’s 2024 order to keep transit operating and review the roll mirrors its 1977 ruling that restored electoral rights, underscoring judicial checks on executive overreach.

1 of 2

Story summary

Rahul Gandhi was detained by police during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Authorities cancelled several New Delhi trains and closed 57 Delhi Metro stations before the Jantar Mantar protest.
The Special Intensive Revision removed over 130 million voter names, prompting opposition parties and the “Cockroach” movement to demand Kumar’s resignation.
India’s Supreme Court ordered authorities to keep public transit running and reconsider transport restrictions.

1 / 2