TOP COURT REBUKES BLANKET TRANSPORT CURBS, DEMANDS MOBILITY FOR DELHI AMID CJP PROTEST
October 10, 2026
The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Centre to ensure that Delhi’s Metro and railway services are not completely suspended during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest on Saturday, October 10, ruling that security measures must remain proportionate and should not unnecessarily disrupt essential public transport.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana recorded an undertaking from Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta that Metro trains and other railway services would be permitted to operate under appropriate regulation, with due consideration for public convenience and safety.
The court intervened after senior advocates, led by Kapil Sibal, appearing for CPI(M) leader M. A. Baby, challenged government circulars proposing the closure of 57 Metro stations and the stopping of trains entering the capital. The bench observed that the notifications appeared to go too far by imposing a complete prohibition on essential public transportation.
Emphasising that authorities must adopt only those measures necessary to prevent disruption, Chief Justice Surya Kant cautioned against an excessive response to potential security threats. He used the analogy of using a hammer to kill a fly to illustrate the need for proportionality, while clarifying that it was an illustration rather than a formal characterisation of the government’s actions.
The court stated that Metro trains and other railway services could operate in a suitably regulated manner, provided the arrangements protected commuters and maintained public order. It also directed the authorities to publicise their decisions widely so that residents and visitors would have clear information about transport availability.
In addition, the bench directed the publication of a traffic advisory through newspapers and online platforms to facilitate smooth movement across the city and prevent unnecessary hardship for commuters. The court emphasised that the public must receive timely information about traffic restrictions and alternative arrangements.
The judges also raised the question of providing basic amenities for people participating in peaceful and lawful demonstrations. They suggested that the competent authorities identify and designate suitable alternative protest sites equipped with the necessary infrastructure, and asked the administration to consider the proposal.
The Supreme Court directed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the relevant railway authorities and Delhi Police’s traffic wing to submit a compliance report within four days.
The intervention comes amid heightened security in the national capital ahead of the CJP demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Authorities had imposed extensive restrictions in anticipation of the gathering, prompting concerns about the impact on ordinary citizens and their freedom of movement.
The court’s directions underline the need to balance legitimate security requirements with public convenience, ensuring that preparations for a demonstration do not result in a blanket shutdown of essential transport services.
