Supreme Court Bars Complete Metro Halt Ahead of Delhi Protest

The Supreme Court on October 9 directed authorities not to completely halt Delhi Metro and train services ahead of a planned October 10 protest in New Delhi, calling instead for regulated operations and public notice of transport decisions. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said authorities could take security measures but should not impose a total prohibition on Metro movement. It also directed that decisions about regulated Metro and railway services be publicised so commuters could plan their journeys. The order followed petitions challenging restrictions planned ahead of a demonstration at Jantar Mantar by the Cockroach Janta Party and other groups. The court’s directions addressed a Delhi Police request to close entry and exit gates at 57 Metro stations and reduce train frequency. Reports also described cancellations of some Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations on October 10. The court said train services should not be completely prohibited and asked authorities to allow regulated movement. The reports did not establish the final operating arrangements after the order.