- Authorities had cited the risk of 'unruly mob movements towards sensitive locations' for the closures.
- Justice Joymalya Bagchi said: 'Reduction of frequency is regulation. Closure is prohibition.'
- The court asked authorities to consider designating an alternative protest venue to Jantar Mantar.
On 9 October 2026, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said orders shutting entry and exit gates at 57 Delhi Metro stations and cancelling trains into New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations appeared 'overreaching'. Recording Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's assurance, the court said there must be no complete prohibition on Metro movement, though services could be regulated and changes must be widely publicised.
Claim by claim
The notifications are overreaching, as they impose a complete ban upon essential public transportation.
Said by Supreme Court orderThis is the text of the court's 9 October 2026 order.
Supreme Court of IndiaDepending on the circumstances, a complete stoppage of services might be a proportionate measure.
Said by Solicitor General Tushar MehtaThe bench did not accept this for 10 October, distinguishing regulation of services from outright prohibition.
LiveLawWhat each side says
CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby and others challenged the Metro closures and train cancellations as an unreasonable burden on ordinary residents.
LiveLawAuthorities cited anticipated congestion and the risk of crowds moving towards sensitive locations. Firstpost reported 23,000 central armed police and 20,000 Delhi Police personnel were to be deployed.
Supreme Court of India · The New Indian Express · FirstpostNot yet known
- ?Whether an alternative protest venue to Jantar Mantar would be designated, and where.
Sources
5 outlets across the spectrum. Leanings are a rough guide to who reported it, not a verdict on accuracy.
- Supreme Court of IndiaRecord of proceedings, Items 802 and 803, Court No. 1
- LiveLawDon't Completely Stop Trains/Metro In Delhi To Handle October 10 Protests : Supreme Court To Centre
- Supreme Court ObserverSC asks authorities to 'regulate' metro, train services ahead of CJP protest
- The New Indian Express'Can't bring everything to a halt': SC tells Centre to regulate Metro, train services ahead of CJP protest
- FirstpostCJP Delhi protest: How the national capital is preparing for October 10 demonstration
Spasht writes original summaries. Follow the links to read each outlet's own report. Revision 1.