APOLOGY AT THE APEX COURT: HOME SECRETARY SEEKS JUDICIAL FORGIVENESS AS DELHI PROTEST SHUTDOWN ROW REACHES A CRITICAL JUNCTURE
October 15, 2026
NEW DELHI — Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology to the Supreme Court in a contempt case arising from alleged non-compliance with the court’s directions on transport restrictions during the October 10 protest in Delhi called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
In an affidavit filed before the apex court, Mohan explained that Delhi Police had requested the suspension of cellular internet services for a day, until 10 pm on October 10, in view of the protest. He stated that the request had been examined in accordance with the law and considered proportionate in light of the scale of the situation and the need to maintain public order in the national capital.
According to the affidavit, cellular internet services were suspended from 10 pm on October 9 until 10 pm on October 10 within a four-kilometre radius of Raisina Hill. Mohan clarified that the restriction applied only to cellular internet services and did not extend to non-cellular internet connections or telecommunications services such as Wi-Fi and broadband.
The Home Secretary maintained that temporary internet restrictions within a defined geographical area, subject to statutory safeguards, could be a legitimate measure in appropriate circumstances to preserve public order.
Alongside his apology, Mohan requested that the Supreme Court modify its October 11 order to permit internet service suspensions when necessary, provided such action strictly complies with the law and applicable safeguards.
The contempt proceedings stem from allegations that government and law-enforcement authorities failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s directions concerning Metro and train services during the CJP protest. The demonstration had been called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
On October 11, the Supreme Court held that the contempt petitioners had established a prima facie case concerning the alleged violation of its directions against a complete prohibition on Metro and train services to Delhi during the protest. The court subsequently issued notices to Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chairperson D. Thara.
The proceedings focus on whether the authorities’ actions were consistent with the court’s directions and the legal obligations governing restrictions imposed during public demonstrations. The allegations remain subject to judicial consideration; the issuance of contempt notices does not itself establish that the officials are guilty of contempt.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was scheduled to hear the matter on Thursday.
The Home Secretary’s affidavit places two questions before the court: the authorities’ compliance with its earlier directions during the protest and the circumstances in which temporary internet restrictions may be imposed to maintain public order.
The case has emerged from a wider confrontation over the administration’s response to the CJP demonstration, which sought Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The controversy has raised concerns about the impact of security measures on public transport, internet access and citizens’ ability to exercise their rights during political protests.
Mohan’s apology and request for modification now form part of the legal proceedings before the Supreme Court. The court’s consideration of the affidavit will determine how the matter proceeds and whether any clarification or alteration of its earlier directions is warranted.
