SC Directs Delhi Authorities to Review Barricades, Restore Internet, Ensure Normal Metro Services

New Delhi, Oct 11 : The Supreme Court on Sunday directed Delhi authorities to review barricades, restore internet services, ensure the free movement of people across the national capital and maintain normal metro and railway operations, subject to necessary restrictions to prevent disturbances to public order.

During a special sitting, a Bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana directed that no individual be detained except in accordance with the procedure established by law, particularly in connection with the assembly of peaceful and unarmed people outside areas where prohibitory orders are in force.

The Bench also directed the authorities to remove, if not already done, the notice announcing the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the area surrounding the Supreme Court.

The direction was intended to ensure that there was no apprehension regarding access to justice, including entry to and exit from any court of law.

The apex court further directed that metro and railway services should operate normally unless restrictions were necessary to address disturbances to public order, as envisaged under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.

Emphasising the need to facilitate the free movement of people across Delhi, the Bench asked the authorities to review barricades in light of prevailing law-and-order and traffic conditions and restore internet services.

The Court also directed that no advocate should be obstructed from discharging professional duties.

Issuing notice to the alleged contemnors, the Bench sought their responses to the contempt petition and directed them to submit a compliance report by Tuesday.

The Bench further ordered that other petitions mentioned during the hearing be tagged with the contempt proceedings.