New Delhi: Expressing strong reservations over the sweeping transport curbs in the national capital ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest scheduled for October 10, the Supreme Court on Friday directed the Centre to reconsider its decision to shut down 57 Delhi Metro stations and cancel several trains. Emphasising the need to balance security measures with public convenience, the apex court remarked that authorities cannot “use a sledgehammer to kill a fly.”
Hearing a petition filed by CPM General Secretary M.A. Baby against the massive transport clampdown, the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant clarified that while law enforcement agencies have the undeniable mandate to regulate movement, a complete paralysis of public utilities is unacceptable. The court pointed out that citizens travel from all corners of the National Capital Region to earn their daily bread, and such stringent restrictions severely impact their fundamental right to basic amenities.
“Our main concern is regarding the complete closure of entry gates of these metro stations. Our concern is not for any specific protester or individual, but for those lakhs of commuters who travel to Delhi from Gurugram, Greater Noida, East Delhi, and South Delhi for their livelihood,” Chief Justice Surya Kant observed during the hearing.
The court further highlighted that the working class, including the elderly and the youth, heavily relies on the metro and railway networks for daily commuting. “Law enforcement authorities certainly have the right to impose regulations. There is no doubt about it. If you want to stop unregulated movement, you are free to do so. However, this does not mean you shut down everything and leave people without any mode of transport,” the bench stated, urging the authorities to reduce the number of closed metro stations and clearly distinguish between regulation and a total shutdown.
Representing the petitioner, senior advocate Kapil Sibal sharply criticised the unprecedented scale of the restrictions. “All trains are cancelled, metro stations are closed. You cannot go anywhere. What is happening in my country? This is a peaceful protest,” Sibal argued before the top court.
The preventive security measures, which include barring entry and exit at 57 key metro stations starting from 9 PM on Friday and cancelling multiple trains arriving at the New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations, have sparked widespread anxiety among daily commuters.
Responding to the Supreme Court’s critical observations, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the bench that he would immediately consult with the government to ensure that appropriate and practical steps are taken to minimise the inconvenience caused to ordinary passengers.