Full Breakdown
Supreme Court Intervenes in Delhi Protests: Restores Metro Services, Bars Illegal Detentions
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Interim Order on Oct 11 2026
On Oct 11 2026, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court (Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana) issued an interim direction ordering that:
- peaceful, unarmed assemblies must not be detained except in accordance with law;
- Delhi Metro and railway services must operate normally unless regulated for public-order reasons;
- internet facilities must remain undisturbed; and
- lawyers, journalists and other professionals must not be impeded in discharging their duties.
The order followed the Oct 10 2026 protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during which authorities closed metro stations, suspended mobile-internet services and detained thousands of demonstrators.
Background & Context
The protests were organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and allied student groups demanding Kumar’s resignation over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. On Oct 9 2026, the Court had directed that there be no “complete prohibition” on metro or train services ahead of the demonstration. Nevertheless, the government ordered the closure of 57 stations; 45 remained shut on the day of the protest.
Data & Statistics
- 45 of 303 metro stations had entry-/exit restrictions (Solicitor General Tushar Mehta).
- Over 7,000 people were detained, according to senior-advocate testimonies.
- 245 trains were cancelled.
- The 45 closed stations represent roughly 15 % of the network.
Official Statements & Responses
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said metro services were “normal” and that only 45 stations were restricted, adding that internet services had been restored.
- Justice Bagchi called the contempt petition a “prima facie case,” noted that Article 19(2) permits regulation, not outright prohibition, of transport, and directed notices to the Union Home Secretary, Delhi Police Commissioner and DMRC.
- Supreme Court Bar Association president Pradeep Rai highlighted the impact on lawyers and pleaded for safeguards against detention and barricades that hindered court access.
On-the-Ground Reports
Lawyers and journalists recounted being taken onto police buses, bruised, and having a Constitution-preamble poster torn. Video evidence showed police without badges detaining protesters beyond the four-kilometre radius where Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) applied.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Metro operations: Mehta claimed services were normal, yet senior-advocate filings confirmed that 45 stations remained closed on Oct 10 2026.
- Detention figures: Advocates cited “7,000-8,000” detainees, while official statements gave no precise count.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The affidavit is ready. I would like to add something to make it more comprehensive,” — Solicitor General Tushar Mehta
- “We are aware of the gargantuan detentions as you say…A bench presided by Chief Justice of India had already made it clear that Article 19(2) is not a prohibition but a regulation,” — Justice Bagchi
- “Democratic activities must take place smoothly, but there should be no obstruction to the functioning of the Supreme Court or movement of lawyers, court staff and litigants” — The CJI
What’s Next
The Court ordered respondents to file counter-affidavits and compliance reports by Oct 13 2026. A further batch of petitions, including challenges to transport curbs and detention claims, has been deferred to Oct 15 2026. The Supreme Court will continue to monitor compliance and may issue additional directions to protect public movement, transport services and professional duties while maintaining law-and-order considerations.