Supreme Court Holds Special Sunday Hearing on Delhi Protest Detentions, Metro Curbs

The Supreme Court is holding a special sitting on Sunday, October 11, to hear petitions challenging the detention of political leaders and protesters and alleged violations of its directions on public transport restrictions during demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi.

A bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana is scheduled to hear the matters at 10.30 am, including a habeas corpus petition challenging the preventive detention of opposition leaders and a contempt plea over the closure of Metro stations and cancellation of train services.

Habeas Corpus Plea Challenges Detention of Opposition Leaders

Trinamool Congress MP and senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy has filed a habeas corpus petition challenging the preventive detention of opposition leaders, including four former chief ministers, and other individuals during Saturday's protests.

The petition questions the use of preventive detention to prevent peaceful demonstrations. Guruswamy has argued that authorities cannot use such measures to suppress the fundamental right to protest.
The plea follows the detention of several political leaders and activists as Delhi Police moved to prevent protesters from assembling at Jantar Mantar.

Contempt Plea Over Metro Closures, Train Cancellations

The court will also consider a contempt petition filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi against Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chairperson D Thara.

The petition alleges that authorities violated the Supreme Court's October 9 directions by continuing to restrict Metro services and cancel trains during the October 10 protests. It seeks contempt proceedings against the officials for alleged non-compliance.

The restrictions reportedly affected commuters across the capital, with several Metro stations closed and train services disrupted. The allegations are yet to be adjudicated by the court.

Supreme Court Had Opposed Blanket Transport Restrictions

On October 9, the Supreme Court considered restrictions imposed ahead of the planned demonstrations by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and opposition groups.

The court questioned police communications directing the closure of 57 Metro stations and restrictions on Mail and Express trains arriving at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations. The Delhi Metro subsequently reduced the number of stations marked for closure to 45.

The bench had said transport services should not face a blanket prohibition. It allowed authorities to regulate services in line with security requirements and proportionality, while directing them to publicise arrangements and consider suitable alternative venues for peaceful protests.

Multiple Petitions Challenge Police Action

The special hearing comes amid mounting legal challenges to the police response to Saturday's demonstrations. Separate petitions have raised concerns over alleged illegal detentions, the treatment of protesters and lawyers, and claims of excessive use of force.

The Supreme Court's consideration of the petitions could determine the next steps in the challenges to the detentions and transport restrictions. The allegations against the authorities remain subject to judicial consideration.