Supreme Court Sets Limits on Delhi Protest Restrictions

The Supreme Court of India on Sunday directed authorities to protect lawful peaceful assembly, prevent detention except under legal procedure, and ensure Delhi’s metro, rail and internet services operate without unlawful disruption. The interim directions came during an urgent hearing on petitions challenging restrictions imposed around protests in the capital and a contempt petition alleging officials breached the court’s October 9 transport order. A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said metro and railway services should function normally, subject to lawful restrictions, and that internet facilities should remain undisturbed while statutory powers to impose restrictions remain available. The court also directed authorities to avoid unnecessary obstruction of people and traffic, review barricades, and allow peaceful gatherings in accordance with law outside areas covered by prohibitory orders. The bench issued notices in the contempt proceedings and asked authorities to explain the restrictions. The matter, along with connected petitions concerning alleged detentions, was scheduled for another hearing on October 13.