A severe disruption across the capital's public transit network has triggered urgent judicial scrutiny, prompting the top court to schedule an extraordinary hearing on a Sunday holiday. During proceedings on October 9, explicit directions were issued to prevent civilian paralysis amid ongoing demonstrations. Nevertheless, authorities kept 45 Delhi Metro stations shut throughout October 10, stranding countless commuters and sparking public outcry. Treating the move as an alleged intentional breach of binding judicial orders, a two-judge bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana has assembled to determine whether administrative authorities overstepped legal limits.
Contempt Plea Targets Senior Administrative Leadership
Advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi approached the apex court with a contempt petition accusing the police and city administration of bringing mobility to a standstill. The petition specifically seeks accountability from three high-ranking officials: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, and DMRC Chairperson D Thara. According to the plea, these officials disregarded explicit judicial guidance by sealing off nearly four dozen transit hubs. The widespread closures left transit hubs paralyzed, severely impacting passengers arriving at major long-distance transit points including New Delhi and Old Delhi railway stations.
Judicial Boundaries Established in Friday Hearing
The controversy stems from the matter titled MA Baby versus Union of India, heard on October 9 by a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant. During that hearing, the bench questioned security justifications, noting that public movement cannot be placed under siege in the guise of precautionary policing. The court instructed agencies to balance preventive safety steps with the need to keep transit operational rather than shutting it down completely. Officials were also tasked with broadcasting comprehensive traffic advisories and arranging operational alternatives for daily commuters.
Challenge Against Mass Police Detentions Added to Roster
The scope of Sunday's special sitting extends beyond transit disruptions to include widespread police action against demonstrators. Multiple participants marching toward Jantar Mantar were taken into custody on Saturday, prompting Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Menaka Guruswamy to move a habeas corpus petition. Her plea contends that law enforcement detained citizens without valid legal grounds. Acknowledging the interconnected nature of both grievances, the special bench agreed to take up the contempt allegations and the detention plea simultaneously.
