New Delhi, Oct 12:
The Supreme Court has directed authorities to ensure that peaceful, unarmed protesters are not detained except in accordance with the law, while calling for the restoration of normal transport services and free movement in Delhi amid a major security crackdown linked to demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
A special Bench issued the directions after hearing urgent petitions challenging detentions, restrictions on movement and disruptions to public services. The court stressed that any restrictions must operate within the framework of the Constitution and applicable law.
The court directed that Delhi Metro and railway services operate normally unless restrictions were necessary to address a public-order situation in accordance with the law. It also called for internet services to remain available subject to lawful restrictions and directed authorities to remove notices imposing prohibitory restrictions around the Supreme Court and other court complexes to ensure access to justice.
The directions came after extensive security arrangements were put in place to prevent a planned protest. Thousands of people were reportedly detained during the crackdown, while restrictions affected transport, movement and access to parts of central Delhi.
The Cockroach Janata Party, which has been at the forefront of the campaign demanding Kumar’s resignation, said it would continue its protests. Opposition parties have also criticised the police action and raised questions about the treatment of demonstrators, journalists and civil society representatives.
The court’s intervention has put the legality of preventive detentions and restrictions on peaceful assembly under scrutiny. It has also underlined that security measures must comply with constitutional safeguards and cannot be applied arbitrarily.
The situation remains politically sensitive, with protesters and opposition parties planning further action even as authorities maintain security arrangements in the national capital.