SC Issues Delhi Directives Amid CJP Protest, Seeks Centre’s Reply on Contempt Plea
The Supreme Court, issued notice to the Centre on a plea seeking contempt proceedings over the alleged violation of its earlier directions concerning Metro and train services in Delhi.
Habeas corpus petitions alleging mass detentions and other connected matters will be heard with the main cases on October 13.
By Sakshi
New Delhi, October 11: The Supreme Court, in a special sitting on Sunday, issued a series of directions to ensure the smooth functioning of Delhi amid protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar Gupta. The bench also issued notice to the Centre on a plea seeking contempt proceedings over the alleged violation of its earlier directions concerning Metro and train services in Delhi during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest.
A bench of justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the following directions:
*No illegal detention of people gathering peacefully except in accordance with the procedure established by law.
*Restoration of normal Delhi Metro and railway services; restrictions permissible only when justified under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court, issued notice to the Centre on a plea seeking contempt proceedings over the alleged violation of its earlier directions concerning Metro and train services in Delhi. (Image from the files)
* Internet services must be restored subject to law and order conditions.
* Free movement of people subject to traffic regulations; requirement of barricades be reviewed.
*Lawyers, journalists and others shall not be impeded in discharging their professional duties.
* Peaceful assemblies must be allowed in accordance with law, especially outside areas where prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS are in force.
* Any notice board announcing Section 163 restrictions near the Supreme Court must be removed, if still in place, to ensure unhindered access to the Supreme Court and other courts.
* Habeas corpus petitions alleging mass detentions and other connected matters will be heard with the main cases on October 13.
*Protesters reminded that protests should be peaceful and should not instigate others.
*SC duty-bound under Article 32 to protect and enforce fundamental rights.
(Inputs from PTI)