SC Bars Delhi Metro Closures; Govt. Deploys Massive Security, Shuts Down Trains

NEW DELHI-The Supreme Court on October 9 ruled out a complete shutdown of Metro services ahead of the proposed Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, directing the Centre to ensure that Metro and other railway services operate in a regulated manner to minimize inconvenience to the public.

The court stressed the distinction between prohibiting movement altogether and regulating services, saying authorities should keep the principle of proportionality in mind while taking preventive measures.

The order came amid concerns over the proposed closure of 57 Metro stations and the cancellation or rescheduling of trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations on October 10.

Indian Railways has cancelled 38 of the 165 trains scheduled to operate to New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations ahead of the protest, citing anticipated severe road traffic congestion around the stations. The cancellations affect trains scheduled to arrive at the two stations between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m. on October 10.

The Railways has also deployed 334 Government Railway Police personnel and sought 14 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces to strengthen security at major railway stations ahead of the demonstration.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana passed the order after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed to urge the authorities to reconsider the restrictions imposed ahead of the protest, which seeks accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. (IANS)