Supreme Court Bars Complete Suspension of Delhi Metro Services Ahead of October 10 Protests

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed authorities not to impose a complete ban on Delhi Metro train services ahead of the protests scheduled for October 10. The court instructed the Centre and the concerned authorities to regulate metro operations while maintaining law and order, ensuring that commuters face minimum inconvenience.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana heard a petition challenging the restrictions imposed in the national capital. The bench emphasised that maintaining law and order does not necessarily require a complete prohibition on public transport and that appropriate restrictions should be proportionate to the situation.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Centre, assured the court that the authorities would reconsider the restrictions. He stated that metro and railway services would be allowed to operate in a suitably regulated manner, following the principle of proportionality.

In its order, the Supreme Court made it clear that there should be no complete prohibition on the movement of metro trains. The bench also directed the authorities to widely publicise decisions concerning the regulated operation of metro and other railway services so that commuters could receive timely information and avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed concern over the complete closure of metro station entry gates. He highlighted the difficulties such restrictions could cause for thousands of people travelling to Delhi from Gurugram, Greater Noida and other parts of the National Capital Region for work and education.

The court's directions underline the need to balance security arrangements with the public's right to access essential transport services. Authorities are expected to take appropriate measures to maintain law and order without completely disrupting metro train movement.

Commuters have been advised to check official Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and railway announcements before travelling to stay informed about any operational changes or security-related restrictions.