Last Updated on October 11, 2026 3:23 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Out Correspondent
In a major relief to Delhi commuters, the Supreme Court on Sunday directed the Central government to ensure that Delhi Metro and rail services operate normally and internet services remain uninterrupted amid protests called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The court said restrictions on public assembly and movement must comply with the conditions laid down under Article 19(2) of the Constitution, which permits reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression on specified grounds, including public order.
The top court was hearing petitions challenging restrictions on movement and the right to protest in Delhi. The court said it would hear all parties in connection with the protests and ensure that no inconvenience was caused.
The bench directed that “free movement of people in the city shall be permitted subject to traffic regulations” and “requirement of imposition of barricades shall be reviewed forthwith keeping in mind law and order and other traffic conditions”.
It also said that “internet facilities shall remain undisturbed” but clarified that the court is not taking away the administration’s powers to act under the Information Technology Act. “If law requires, that’s always there,” she said.
The bench further said that “there shall not be detention save and except by procedure established by law, particularly with regard to peaceful, unarmed assemblage of people beyond the area where Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in operation.” The provision empowers executive magistrates to issue urgent, temporary orders to maintain public peace and safety, like barring the assembly of five or more people.