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India’s Supreme Court has directed authorities to remove barricades from Delhi’s roads, reopen metro stations and ensure uninterrupted internet services, while restoring freedom of movement in the capital amid protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The directions came during a special hearing on Sunday concerning police action against supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and other protesters who launched demonstrations on Saturday.
A bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said peaceful protesters must not be illegally detained and restrictions should be imposed only when necessary to maintain law and order.
The court directed authorities to remove all barricades unless they were urgently required. It also ordered that internet services be maintained in accordance with the law and directed the withdrawal of restrictions imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which allows authorities to prohibit large gatherings.
The ruling has put the authorities under pressure over measures taken to control the protests.
On Friday, the court had directed the Centre to ensure that there was no blanket restriction on metro and train services for people travelling to Delhi on October 10 because of the demonstrations.
However, metro stations remained closed, prompting petitioner and lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi to accuse the authorities of contempt of court.
The Supreme Court reiterated that citizens have the right to protest but must exercise it within the framework of police regulations.
“You have the right to protest—there is no dispute about that. But the manner of protest must be within the framework of police law,” the court observed.
Justice Bagchi told the petitioner that the right to protest could not be claimed as superior to the law governing public order.
The court issued notices to Delhi Police, the Union Home Secretary and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), among other authorities, seeking explanations regarding the detentions and the circumstances surrounding them.
It directed the authorities to submit a compliance report by Tuesday.
