New Delhi, October 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Supreme Court has asked the competent authorities to consider identifying and designating suitable alternative locations in the national capital for peaceful and lawful protests, with adequate basic amenities and infrastructure for demonstrators.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said the proposed sites should be capable of accommodating the facilities needed to enable peaceful demonstrations. The suggestion was made during a hearing on restrictions imposed on public transport ahead of a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.
The court recorded in its order that senior counsel and lawyers representing the parties agreed that basic amenities should be provided to those participating in peaceful and lawful protests. It asked the competent authority to consider the proposal and take an appropriate decision.
The hearing also examined restrictions imposed on Delhi Metro and railway services following communications issued by Delhi Police over concerns about possible unruly crowds moving towards sensitive locations.
The measures included reducing the frequency of Metro trains passing through 57 stations and closing their entry and exit gates from 9 p.m. on October 9, with the restrictions continuing on October 10 until the situation normalised.
The Bench observed that the notifications appeared to be “overreaching” because they imposed a complete ban on essential public transportation. It emphasised the distinction between an outright prohibition and regulating transport services to address security concerns.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed to urge the authorities to reassess the restrictions and allow Metro and other railway services to operate under suitable regulation, while minimising inconvenience to residents and commuters.
The court clarified that Metro movement should not be prohibited outright, although authorities could regulate services in a prudent and proportionate manner. It directed that decisions on regulated operations be widely publicised to keep commuters informed.
The Bench also ordered that traffic advisories be published in newspapers and on online platforms to facilitate vehicle movement and prevent unnecessary hardship for people travelling within Delhi.
The DMRC, the concerned railway authorities and Delhi Police (Traffic) have been directed to file a compliance report within four days.
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