Full Breakdown
Supreme Court to Hear Contempt Petition Over Delhi Metro Shutdowns Ahead of CJP Protest
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Contempt Petition and Court’s Directive
A two-judge bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana will consider a contempt petition filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi. The petition alleges that Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chairperson D Thara failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s October 9 order that barred a “complete prohibition” on Metro and train services on October 10, the day of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The bench will also hear a habeas-corpus petition challenging the preventive detention of opposition leaders.
Background & Context: CJP protest and prior restrictions
The CJP planned a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, citing alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls. Delhi Police denied permission and announced a shutdown of 57 Metro stations and cancellation of several Delhi-bound trains. The Supreme Court warned that security measures must be proportionate and that authorities could regulate movement but not halt all public transport.
Data & Statistics
- Metro stations initially slated for closure: 57 (October 9 order).
- Revised stations with entry/exit restrictions: 45 (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announcement).
- Train services affected: cancellations of multiple Mail and Express trains at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations.
- Compliance deadline: authorities must file a compliance report within four days of the October 9 hearing.
Official Statements & Responses
The Chief Justice noted that commuters—including students, employees and senior citizens—depend on public transport and should not be unduly harassed. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the government would review the restrictions and aim for a regulated schedule, emphasizing the principle of proportionality: “Take measures only to the extent necessary… do not use a hammer to kill a fly.”
Criticism & Opposition
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention, calling the blanket restrictions a reminder that regulation cannot become prohibition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact scope of Metro closures. Early reports cited 57 stations; later statements reduced the figure to 45 stations with entry and exit gates closed from 9 pm on October 9 to 6 pm on October 10. No definitive count of train cancellations is available, and the petition’s claim that no traffic advisory was published remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are now really concerned about the complete closure of the Metros and trains.” — Chief Justice of India
- “One very important principle that we follow for every citizen is the principle of proportionality You have to prevent certain things. Take measures only to the extent necessary to prevent them. But that does not mean you use a hammer to kill a fly. That principle must be kept in mind.” — Solicitor General Tushar Mehta
- “We will not be able to comment unless something comes to us, then we will call upon (them), we will like to hear them also. Without hearing them, it will be very difficult for us to comment on why they have gone, whether they should have gone or not. If there are good justifiable reasons, I think law and order machinery…” — Kapil Sibal, senior advocate
What’s Next
The contempt petition is scheduled for a special hearing on October 11. The bench will decide whether to initiate contempt proceedings and may issue interim directions to withdraw the blanket Metro and train restrictions. Authorities must submit a compliance report within four days of the October 9 order, and the court may revisit the protest venue, urging the Centre to consider an alternative site.