Supreme Court of India examines curbs ahead of Delhi protest

India’s Supreme Court examined restrictions in Delhi on October 9 ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar the following day, stressing the need to consider both protesters and other residents.

In the morning, lawyers led by Kapil Sibal and A.M. Singhvi raised concerns about barricades and movement restrictions before a bench headed by Surya Kant. They argued that the measures affected ordinary citizens as well as demonstrators.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi acknowledged the right to association and the need to comply with requirements governing demonstrations. The court asked the lawyers to contact organisers and check whether they had submitted the necessary details and sought permission. Those observations did not amount to court approval of the planned protest.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the measures were intended to prevent unlawful incidents. The lawyers questioned their proportionality, citing restrictions involving transport, accommodation and access to shared facilities.

A later ANI report on October 9 said the court objected to completely stopping metro and train services and asked authorities to reconsider restrictions proportionately. The discussion also concerned people who had no intention of attending the demonstration.

The organisers are demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Permission for the protest and restrictions on city services were discussed as distinct issues, with the parties offering competing assessments of appropriate safeguards.