NEW DELHI, OCT 11: In a rare Sunday hearing, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana ruled that peaceful protesters must not face illegal detention and ordered municipal authorities to ensure the smooth movement of citizens in accordance with the law. The court maintained that any preventive measures or detentions must strictly follow established legal procedures, particularly outside areas where prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) are actively enforced.
Addressing broad restrictions imposed across the capital following recent political demonstrations, the apex court directed that public transport networks, including the Delhi Metro and Indian Railways, operate normally unless specific regulatory measures under Article 19(2) are strictly required. The bench further instructed authorities to review existing street barricades forthwith and ensured that internet services remain undisturbed while preserving statutory powers under the Information Technology Act.
The directions came during hearings on contempt and habeas corpus petitions filed following police action during recent protests. In response to concerns raised by legal professionals regarding prohibitory notices restricting access to the court complex, the bench instructed officials to remove restrictive notices to preserve unhindered access to the judicial system.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that transit restrictions had been lifted, confirming that all metro stations and railway services were fully operational and internet services restored. Granting intervention applications, the Supreme Court called for a concise response from the Central Government and scheduled the next hearing for Tuesday, October 13.
