Supreme Court on Delhi Protests: No Illegal Detentions, Keep Metro and Internet Runningਦਿੱਲੀ ਪ੍ਰਦਰਸ਼ਨ 'ਤੇ ਸੁਪਰੀਮ ਕੋਰਟ: ਗੈਰ-ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਨਜ਼ਰਬੰਦੀ ਨਹੀਂ, ਮੈਟਰੋ ਤੇ ਇੰਟਰਨੈੱਟ ਚੱਲਣ

The Supreme Court held an unprecedented Sunday sitting on October 11, 2026 and directed that peaceful, unarmed protesters in Delhi cannot be detained except by procedure established by law. It also ordered that Metro and rail services, free movement and internet access be kept running normally, subject to law and order. The interim order came a day after thousands were detained during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

What did the Supreme Court order?

A special bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said Metro and rail facilities must function normally unless regulation is needed for public order under Article 19(2). Free movement must be permitted subject to traffic rules, barricades must be reviewed "forthwith", and internet facilities must stay undisturbed as per law.

The bench said there shall be no illegal detention, particularly of peaceful, unarmed gatherings beyond the area where Section 163 of the BNSS is in force. It also told authorities to take down a Section 163 notice board outside the court so lawyers and citizens can reach it, and said lawyers and journalists must not be hindered in their work.

Why was contempt notice issued?

The court issued notice on a contempt plea by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi against Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and Delhi Metro chairperson D Thara. The plea says Metro stations stayed shut despite the court's October 9 order against a complete prohibition. The authorities have been asked to file affidavits and a compliance report; the matter returns on October 13.

What did the lawyers and the Centre say?

Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, who filed a habeas corpus plea, said about 7,000 people were reported detained, 45 detention centres were opened and asked whether an "unimposed Emergency" had been brought in. Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, who said he was detained himself, told the court the city was "one step away from a police state".

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said only 45 of the 303 Metro stations were closed on October 10 and that most detainees had been released. He said services and internet were back to normal. The bench asked him to show on a map which stations were open and shut.

What happens next?

The authorities must file their responses and compliance report, and the Supreme Court will hear the matters again on Tuesday, October 13. The order is an interim direction; the court said it was not taking away the authorities' powers under the law.

Does the order allow protests anywhere in Delhi?

No. The court said assembly must be in accordance with law and spoke specifically of peaceful, unarmed gatherings beyond the area where Section 163 BNSS prohibitory orders apply. It also reminded protesters to remain peaceful.

How many people were detained on October 10?

Media reports and petitioners put the figure at about 7,000, but Guruswamy told the court the government had given no official numbers. The Solicitor General said most of those detained were released within hours.