Supreme Court Directs No Illegal Detentions, Normal Services in Delhi

The Supreme Court on Sunday directed authorities to ensure normal functioning of metro and rail services and ordered that internet connectivity remain undisturbed across the national capital, following widespread curbs imposed during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

A special bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana heard petitions challenging mass detentions, strict barricading, and movement restrictions that had virtually sealed central Delhi. The court ruled that peaceful and unarmed individuals assembled outside areas under prohibitory orders must not be detained unless procedure established by law is strictly followed.

The judicial intervention came a day after security forces turned parts of the capital into a fortress, deploying approximately 41,000 personnel to counter a demonstration called by youth organisations and student groups. Reports indicated that roughly 7,000 people were taken into custody on Saturday, leading to severe disruptions in public transit and communication networks.

During the special Sunday sitting, the bench instructed the administration to take down official boards announcing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) from the immediate vicinity of the Supreme Court. The judges emphasized that public movement and traffic flow must be facilitated subject only to necessary and lawful regulations for maintaining public order.

Legal counsels representing petitioners highlighted instances where transport arteries, internet access, and metro station gates remained blocked despite earlier judicial directions. The bench addressed these concerns by issuing specific directives to dismantle unnecessary barriers and permit unhindered civilian movement across the city.

Several political figures and student leaders who had been detained over the weekend were released following magistrate orders or legal interventions. Prominent opposition figures sought meetings with judicial authorities as political tensions persisted regarding the handling of demonstrations and electoral roll controversies.

Authorities are expected to file compliance reports regarding the complete restoration of transit and communication networks as normal court proceedings resume on Monday. Public attention remains focused on security protocols around central Delhi as further demonstrations are anticipated.