The Supreme Court has directed authorities to ensure that Delhi Metro and railway services function normally, internet facilities remain undisturbed, and no person is detained except in accordance with the procedure established by law.
A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the directions in a special sitting while hearing petitions arising from the police crackdown on demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission’s ongoing revision of voter lists.
The bench also ordered that a notice board announcing the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the vicinity of the Supreme Court be taken down, so that citizens and lawyers face no apprehension about access to justice.
What the Court Ordered
The directions state that metro and rail facilities shall function normally unless restrictions are required in the interest of public order under Article 19(2) of the Constitution. Free movement of people must be permitted subject to traffic regulations, and the imposition of barricades must be reviewed keeping law and order and traffic conditions in mind.
On internet access, the court said facilities shall remain undisturbed as per law, while clarifying that the authorities’ powers under the Information Technology Act remain intact.
Detention and Assembly
The bench said there shall be no illegal detention, particularly of peaceful and unarmed persons assembling beyond areas where Section 163 BNSS prohibitory orders are in operation. Peaceful assembly must be permitted in accordance with law.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that all Metro stations were open, train services were running normally and internet connectivity had been restored. The court recorded assurances that lawyers, journalists and other professionals would not be obstructed in their duties.
The court issued notice in contempt proceedings alleging violation of its earlier order and directed authorities to file a compliance report by October 13, when the connected petitions will be heard together.
#SupremeCourt #Delhi #DelhiMetro #Protest #ElectionCommission #AbotaniTV
