Supreme Court directs normal Delhi transport and lawful detention
The Supreme Court directed normal Delhi transport and internet access, subject to lawful restrictions, and required detention to follow legal procedure.
Normal services subject to lawful restrictions
The Supreme Court on Sunday asked authorities to keep Delhi Metro and railway services operating normally as it considered challenges to restrictions imposed around the CJP protest. Reports by The Indian Express and The Times of India said the directions also covered internet access and the movement of people. The order retained room for regulations required by public-order conditions. It therefore did not establish an unconditional exemption from lawful restrictions, even as the bench stressed normal access to transport and services.
No illegal detention of protesters, allow free movement of people: Supreme Court'No illegal detention, restore internet, metro services': Supreme Court after Delhi protest crackdown - top quotesDetention and professional access addressed
Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard the urgent applications following Saturday’s restrictions and detentions. The Indian Express reported that the bench required detention to follow established legal procedure, particularly for peaceful, unarmed gatherings outside areas covered by prohibitory orders. It also called for a review of barricades. The Times of India reported directions protecting the professional work of lawyers, journalists and others. The court issued notice on a plea alleging that authorities had breached its earlier directions; those allegations were before the court for examination.
No illegal detention of protesters, allow free movement of people: Supreme Court'No illegal detention, restore internet, metro services': Supreme Court after Delhi protest crackdown - top quotesGovernment presents its account
The Times of India reported that Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta defended the measures, saying entry and exit restrictions had affected 45 of the Metro network’s 303 stations on October 10. The Indian Express reported his submission that trains and Metro stations were functioning and internet access had been restored. That was the government’s account during the hearing. The court also sought an affidavit and a compliance report. Sunday’s intervention adds fresh directions to the case, rather than merely scheduling the hearing announced a day earlier.
No illegal detention of protesters, allow free movement of people: Supreme Court'No illegal detention, restore internet, metro services': Supreme Court after Delhi protest crackdown - top quotes