New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Union government to reconsider sweeping transport restrictions imposed ahead of a protest scheduled for October 10 at Jantar Mantar, including the closure of 57 Delhi Metro stations and the cancellation of long-distance trains.
According to Live Law, a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed concern over the blanket restrictions, observing that they would affect citizens who depend on public transport.
The court directed the government to take appropriate decisions to ensure that the movement of Delhi Metro and Indian Railways trains was not completely halted.
Criticising the move to close metro stations and suspend train services ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, the Supreme Court observed that “one should not use a hammer to kill a fly”.
“Everybody doesn't own a car. People depend on public transport, and complete closure cannot be done. There is a distinction between complete prohibition and regulation of the movement of metro and other trains. We make it clear that there shall be no complete prohibition on the movement of metro trains,” the apex court said.
The court also directed the authorities to give adequate publicity to decisions concerning the movement of metro and other trains.
A bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing petitions filed by CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby and others challenging the restrictions imposed ahead of protests in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Responding to the court, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said he would seek instructions on the closure of metro stations and the cancellation of trains to Delhi.
The Supreme Court also asked the police to exercise caution and maintain law and order in the national capital amid concerns over possible violence during the October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar.