New Delhi: The Supreme Court has taken a strict stance on the restrictions imposed on the demonstration of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi. The court clarified that the police cannot stop the movement of people. The court has given instructions to keep metro services normal, restore internet and remove barricades from the city. Also expressed displeasure over illegal detention of peaceful protesters.
The Supreme Court said in the interim order that unless there is any serious challenge to law and order, the metro should operate normally. The court asked the officials to show the information about the closed metro stations on the map, so that the impact of the restrictions on the common people can be understood. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that out of total 303 metro stations of Delhi, 45 stations were closed on Saturday.
Questions raised on internet shutdown and metro services
A public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court sought judicial review of the decision to shut down mobile internet around Janpath and Dutva Path. The question raised in the petition was whether the police action was in accordance with the rights granted under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution or not. The court has asked the concerned authorities to give complete details of the closure of metro stations.
During the hearing, senior lawyer Shahdan Farasat alleged that the lawyers were forcibly taken away in buses and left there. Another lawyer also raised the issue of obstacles in the movement of people. On this the court said that lawyers cannot be stopped from doing their work.
Contempt notice to Delhi Police Commissioner
The Supreme Court has issued a show cause notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner in the contempt case. The police have been asked why contempt action should not be initiated against him. The court has directed to reply by Tuesday. In fact, in the order of October 9, the court had said not to disrupt metro stations and public transport. Despite this, contempt petitions were filed following allegations of closure of the station.
The Supreme Court also gave instructions on the matter of detention of journalists, lawyers and leaders. The court made it clear that no one can be detained illegally during a peaceful protest.