Supreme Court Blocks Total Delhi Metro Shutdown Before Protest

The Supreme Court of India ordered the central government and Delhi authorities on October 9 to ensure that metro and train services are not completely suspended ahead of protests scheduled for October 10. The demonstrations, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party and opposition parties, seek the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of vote theft.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant ruled that while law enforcement may regulate movement to maintain public order, a blanket shutdown of public transport is disproportionate. The court cautioned authorities against using a "hammer to kill fly," noting that hundreds of thousands of commuters from Gurugram, Greater Noida, and other parts of the National Capital Region rely on these services for their livelihoods.

The ruling follows plans to close 57 metro stations and restrict services at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the measures by citing previous violence during a July march, but he assured the court that the government would reconsider the prohibitions to minimize public inconvenience.

Additionally, the court directed the government to identify an alternative venue for peaceful protests to replace Jantar Mantar. Chief Justice Surya Kant and the Solicitor General noted that Jantar Mantar lacks basic sanitation facilities and hinders emergency medical access due to its proximity to government residences.