Full Breakdown
Supreme Court Orders Restoration of Metro, Rail, Internet and Bars Illegal Detentions Amid Delhi Protest
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Sunday, October 11 2026, a two-judge bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard a contempt petition and a habeas-corpus petition related to curbs imposed for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstration on October 10 2026. The Court directed that Delhi Metro and railway services operate on their normal schedule, that internet facilities remain uninterrupted, and that no person be detained illegally for peaceful, unarmed assembly. It also ordered the removal of barricades and notices issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Background & Context
The CJP called for a mass mobilisation at Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls. Anticipating the protest, the Centre announced a shutdown of 57 metro stations, cancellation of numerous long-distance trains, and a limited mobile-internet suspension in central Delhi.
Data & Statistics
- Delhi Metro network: 303 stations; 45 stations had entry-exit restrictions on October 10 2026.
- Approximately 7,000 people were reported detained across the capital; some filings cite 6,000 and mention 45 detention centres.
- Around 250 trains were cancelled, affecting New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations.
- 41,000 security personnel were deployed for the operation.
Official Statements & Responses
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said only 45 stations faced restricted entry-exit and that metro services had been restored by the evening of October 10 2026. Petitioners advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi and senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy alleged that authorities deliberately flouted the Court’s October 9 order, resulting in “undue harassment and illegal detention” of large numbers of citizens.
Criticism & Opposition
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal questioned the scale of the shutdown, asking “How can this happen in our country?” and challenging the legality of arresting commuters on trains. Guruswamy’s filing highlighted the detention of former chief ministers, MPs and journalists, arguing that preventive detention cannot be used to suppress peaceful protest. The Supreme Court Bar Association, through secretary Pragya Baghel, demanded an inquiry into the “reported use of force” against lawyers detained while protesting outside the Court.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number of detainees (7,000 vs 6,000) and on the exact count of closed metro stations (57 initially proposed vs 45 actually restricted). The extent of the internet shutdown is described as a “partial” suspension in some reports, while others refer to a “complete” cut-off in the central area, leaving precise coverage unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We make it clear that there shall be no complete prohibition on movement of metro trains,” — Supreme Court
- “How can this happen in our country,” — Kapil Sibal, senior advocate
- “We also request that the reported use of force be examined and appropriate action taken in accordance with law,” — Pragya Baghel, SCBA secretary
What’s Next
The bench ordered the Centre to submit a compliance report, including a map of the stations affected, by Tuesday, October 13 2026. The Court will reconvene to review the report and consider further relief in the contempt and habeas-corpus matters. Additional petitions concerning the legality of the barricades and the scope of internet restrictions remain pending.