Full Breakdown
Supreme Court Issues Interim Directions on Delhi Protest Curbs Amid Sibal’s Loss of Trust
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The court ordered that internet services remain undisturbed, that no illegal detention occur beyond the area covered by Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and that metro stations and other transport facilities operate “as per law.” The bench also directed removal of a notice board announcing the BNSS restriction around the Supreme Court premises.
Background & Context
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) staged a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing petitioners including Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha and CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, said police detained protesters, closed 45 metro stations (down from an earlier order of 57), and restricted train arrivals despite advance notice of the protest. Sibal also raised a parallel legal battle over alleged wrongful changes to voter lists during the SIR process.
Data & Statistics
- Detentions: Reports cite more than 7,000 people detained, while other accounts mention roughly 1,000 detained while attempting to reach Jantar Mantar.
- Transport curbs: 45 metro stations remained closed to passenger entry and exit; 57 had initially been ordered shut. Train arrivals faced restrictions.
- Security deployment: 28 battalions of Central Armed Police Forces and Delhi Police personnel were deployed.
- Electoral-roll appeals: West Bengal appellate tribunals have restored voters’ names in 93 percent of appeals decided so far.
- Voter-list impact: Approximately 5 lakh names were removed from a draft roll, with 33 lakh voters flagged for discrepancies.
Official Statements & Responses
The court instructed the Solicitor General to ensure normal metro operation, keep internet services uninterrupted, and prevent illegal detention of peaceful, unarmed assemblies beyond the BNSS-designated area. It also ordered the removal of the BNSS notice board near the court.
Criticism & Opposition
Kapil Sibal, senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP, expressed frustration with the judiciary’s handling of the protest curbs and the SIR voter-roll issues. He argued that the security measures were disproportionate to a peaceful demonstration and that detainees were taken to undisclosed locations, leaving families unaware of their whereabouts. Sibal questioned the legal basis for arresting individuals merely for traveling by train and challenged the use of Section 163 to impose broad prohibitory orders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are deeply grateful to the Supreme Court for having passed an order that restores faith among professionals in the system of justice in this country,” — Kapil Sibal
- “If anyone can save the Constitution, it is the Supreme Court,” — Kapil Sibal
- “If a youth gets on a train, will you arrest him? On what basis will you arrest him? What kind of law is this,” — Kapil Sibal
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the scale of detentions: one account cites “more than 7,000 people” detained, another reports “around 1,000 people” detained while marching toward Jantar Mantar. The number of metro stations closed also varies between 57 (initial order) and 45 (revised order). No definitive data have been provided on the total number of voters affected by the SIR process beyond the cited 93 percent restoration rate in West Bengal appeals.
What's Next
The Supreme Court’s interim directions remain in effect while contempt proceedings and challenges to the Delhi curbs continue. Further judicial review will determine whether the restrictions imposed under Section 163 BNSS are lawful and proportionate, and whether additional relief will be granted in the SIR voter-roll litigation.