The Supreme Court has found a prima facie case of contempt over alleged non-compliance with its directions on restrictions imposed on Delhi Metro and railway services during protests held on October 10.
A Bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notices to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Chairperson D Thara, directing them to respond by October 13.
The proceedings stem from a contempt petition filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who alleged that authorities failed to comply with the Court’s October 9 directions concerning public transport restrictions ahead of demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
After examining the petition and hearing the submissions, the Bench concluded that a preliminary case had been established to warrant a response from the officials concerned.
The three respondents have been asked to submit counter-affidavits along with a report detailing compliance with the earlier order. The Court has, for now, exempted them from appearing personally.
Dispute over Metro station closures
The controversy centres on restrictions imposed ahead of protests linked to the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has drawn criticism from opposition parties.
On October 9, the Supreme Court questioned the apparent overreach in notifications proposing restrictions on public transport ahead of the demonstrations. It directed the authorities to reconsider plans to close 57 Metro stations, ensure regulated train operations and publicise any revised arrangements so that commuters would not face unnecessary hardship.
A contempt petition was subsequently filed, alleging that Metro stations continued to remain closed despite the Court’s directions against a complete shutdown of public transport.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta rejected the allegation that the authorities had disobeyed the order. He told the Bench that Metro services had operated normally, although 45 of Delhi Metro’s 303 stations were closed as a law-and-order precaution.
He further submitted that all stations had reopened by 10 PM on October 10, train operations were running normally and internet connectivity had been restored.
Detention allegations also before the Court
The Bench also took up a separate petition alleging that thousands of people, including opposition leaders, were unlawfully detained during the handling of the protests.
Notice was issued in that matter as well.
The contempt proceedings, the detention-related petition and other connected matters are scheduled to be heard on October 13.
The latest order marks a preliminary judicial finding that the allegations warrant examination; it does not, by itself, establish that the officials are guilty of contempt.