Top Court Convenes Sunday Special Bench After Capital Shuts 45 Metro Stations Despite Warnings A two-judge bench will review contempt allegations against top administrators and examine unlawful detentions following widespread commuter disruptions in the capital. 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. What this means for you The apex court's intervention directly challenges administrative paralysis of transit networks and establishes stronger safeguards for civic movement. • Across India: The Supreme Court setting a firm precedent ensures state authorities cannot arbitrarily halt public transportation under the pretext of maintaining security. This legal scrutiny will deter regional administrations across the country from enforcing unannounced transit shutdowns during public protests. • In Delhi: Commuters and outstation passengers at New Delhi and Old Delhi railway stations faced severe hardship due to 45 metro stations being shut on Saturday. Sunday's emergency hearing could enforce stricter guidelines on the administration, preventing sudden travel disruptions ahead of the coming workweek. • For daily commuters: The proceedings emphasize the mandatory publication of proactive traffic advisories and functional transit alternatives during citywide events. Travelers gain stronger institutional backing against abrupt transport suspensions that leave thousands stranded without notice. • For demonstrators: The habeas corpus plea directly questions preemptive police detentions near Jantar Mantar and defends constitutional freedoms. A favorable judicial determination could secure the immediate release of those detained without formal legal sanction. Why this happened The judicial confrontation arose after authorities enforced a widespread transit shutdown and detained demonstrators despite explicit prior cautions from the top court. • Defiance of judicial guidelines: On October 9, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that precautionary measures must not hold public mobility hostage. The subsequent closure of 45 metro stations on October 10 appeared to disregard these judicial parameters entirely. • Security crackdown around protests: In an attempt to control crowds moving toward Jantar Mantar, law enforcement deployed heavy restrictions and took several marchers into custody. These detentions raised immediate legal questions regarding constitutional due process and unlawful restraint. • Urgent dual legal challenges: Advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi filed a contempt plea against senior officials, while Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy moved a habeas corpus petition. The urgency of disrupted civilian transit and individual detentions prompted the court to convene on a Sunday holiday. Questions & Answers 1. Why is the Supreme Court holding a special hearing on a Sunday? The court convened an emergency session to address contempt allegations over the closure of 45 metro stations and unlawful police detentions in the capital. 2. Which judges constitute the special bench? A two-judge bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana will conduct the hearing on Sunday. 3. Which officials are named in the contempt petition? The plea seeks action against Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, and DMRC Chairperson D Thara. 4. What did the Supreme Court order regarding transit on October 9? The bench noted that security precautions cannot hold public movement hostage, directing authorities to avoid shutting down transit and instead issue advisories. 5. Who filed the petition challenging the detentions of protesters? Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Menaka Guruswamy filed a habeas corpus plea challenging the custody of marchers heading toward Jantar Mantar. https://trendkia.com/en/delhi/adesha-ki-anadekhi-kara-delhi-men-45-metro-steshana-bnda-rakhane-para-shirsha-adalata-baithi-ravivara-ko-46109 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.