Delhi Protest Row: Supreme Court Questions Restrictions on Metro and Internet Services

New Delhi: The Supreme Court held a hearing on Sunday regarding police action in Delhi, closure of metro stations and restrictions on mobile internet during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest. The court said that all parties will be given an opportunity to be heard in matters related to the protest and it will be ensured that the common people do not face unnecessary trouble. During the hearing, emphasis was also laid on instructions related to keeping metro services normal and removing internet restrictions. Issues of detention of protesters, police barricading and alleged prevention of lawyers from working were also raised before the court. 

Was an order given to remove barricades and normalise movement in Delhi?

In view of the demonstration, police had barricaded in many parts of the capital and the movement of vehicles was banned. Petitions were filed in the court challenging this action. It was argued on behalf of the petitioners that in the name of security arrangements, the movement of common people should not be affected in the entire city. The Supreme Court had earlier also clarified that it is not appropriate to impose a complete ban on public transport to maintain law and order. The court had asked the authorities to review the restrictions and keep in mind the convenience of the people. 

How much trouble did the common passengers face?

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that out of the total 303 stations of Delhi Metro, 45 stations were closed on Saturday. The court asked the concerned authorities to show the details of the closed stations on the map so that it could be understood how much impact the restrictions had on the common people. Earlier, the court had expressed concern over the ban on metro and rail services. He said that security arrangements should be such that public transport does not come to a complete halt and people travelling daily do not have to face problems.

What questions arose when mobile internet was shut down?

A PIL filed in the Supreme Court sought judicial review of the closure of mobile internet services around Janpath and Dutva Path. The petition raised the question whether such restrictions are in accordance with the rights granted under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution or not. The petitioners said that internet shutdown affects people's communication, work and daily activities. The court said there is a need to hear the parties concerned in this matter and consider the circumstances of the restrictions.  

What was said when the lawyers were taken into custody?

During the hearing, senior advocate Shahdan Farasat alleged that during the demonstration, the police forcibly made some lawyers sit in the bus and then took them away and left them. Other lawyers also raised the issue of obstruction in movement and professional work before the court. The Supreme Court said that all lawyers will be given an opportunity to hear the petitions related to the demonstration. The court made it clear that it is not minimising the seriousness of the incidents and will listen to the arguments of all parties. 

Why did the controversy increase after CJP's performance?

Cockroach Janata Party had called for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party raised the issue of alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Delhi Police did not allow the demonstration and imposed restrictions in many parts of the capital due to security reasons. After this, the controversy increased over the detention of a large number of people and restrictions on metro and internet services.

Now the hearing on the petitions challenging these actions is going on in the Supreme Court. The main question before the court is how to protect the rights of citizens and common life while maintaining security.