The Supreme Court directed law enforcement authorities on Sunday to stop the illegal detention of peaceful demonstrators in New Delhi. A special vacation bench held an extraordinary weekend sitting to address urgent petitions challenging police crackdowns. The judges ruled that authorities cannot arbitrarily pick up citizens who assemble peacefully.
Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana heard petitions arising from the massive weekend agitation against the Election Commission. According to court proceedings documented by The Hindu, the bench reminded security agencies of their constitutional duties under Article 32. Consequently, the court ordered police to provide a clear legal justification for every individual held in custody.
Order Demands Normal Metro and Internet Operations
The top court also intervened to restore civilian life across the national capital. The judges directed authorities to allow the free movement of ordinary commuters, office workers, and students. Furthermore, the bench instructed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that Delhi Metro trains run according to their regular timetable.
The court similarly prohibited blanket bans on telecommunication networks. In addition, reporting by Bar and Bench noted that judges restricted local internet shutdowns. The bench affirmed that peaceful assemblies remain legally valid outside designated prohibited zones. Therefore, the administration must balance public order without crushing personal liberty.
Unhindered Court Access for Lawyers and Citizens
The special bench expressed sharp concern over police barriers blocking judicial buildings. Officers had placed Section 163 prohibitory notice boards directly outside the Supreme Court complex on Tilak Marg.
The court ordered the immediate removal of these signs. Moreover, the judges recorded an official undertaking that police will not obstruct lawyers, litigants, or journalists. Meanwhile, bar leaders recounted that police had detained junior advocates on Saturday morning. The court reiterated that legal professionals must access courts freely to defend citizens’ rights.
Centre Faces Contempt Notice and October 13 Deadline
The top court issued a formal notice to the Union government in a related contempt petition. The plea accused the administration of violating earlier judicial directions that barred complete public transit shutdowns.
The judges ordered central authorities to file a detailed compliance affidavit by Tuesday, October 13. This report must explain train cancellations, metro station closures, and mass preventive detentions. Furthermore, the Supreme Court scheduled multiple habeas corpus petitions for hearing on the same day. As a result, law enforcement agencies must disclose the exact locations of remaining detainees before the bench.
Legal Fraternities Welcome Constitutional Safeguards
Senior advocates and opposition leaders welcomed the court’s intervention on Sunday afternoon. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal stated that the prompt order revived public confidence in the judicial system. Similarly, student organizations thanked the court for checking executive overreach during peaceful protests.
On the other hand, government counsels maintained that initial restrictions aimed to prevent civic chaos. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court firmly stated that law enforcement powers cannot bypass constitutional protections. By mandating regular transit and ending unlawful detentions, the judiciary reinforced the fundamental right to peaceful protest across the country.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
