On Sunday, October 11, 2025, a two‑judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard petitions challenging restrictions imposed during Saturday’s protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The bench issued interim directions that called for an immediate review of barricades across Delhi and the removal of any that were not justified by law‑and‑order or traffic requirements. It also stressed that citizens have the right to move freely and that peaceful, unarmed protesters must not be illegally detained outside areas where Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita is in force.
The court’s scrutiny of Metro closures arose from the shutdown of 45 Delhi Metro stations during the protests, despite an earlier directive from Chief Justice Surya Kant’s bench on October 10 to avoid a complete prohibition on services entering Delhi. The bench noted that the closure of so many stations appeared disproportionate and directed that Metro and railway services operate normally unless restrictions were strictly necessary to maintain public order. This directive was part of the same set of interim orders issued on October 11, 2025.
Earlier, on October 10, 2026, security forces had deployed about 41,000 personnel across the Capital, turning it into a fortress to thwart a planned protest. During that operation, 7,000 people were detained. The Supreme Court later referenced these figures when it emphasized that peaceful, unarmed protesters must only be detained according to established law and that mass detentions without legal basis were unacceptable.
Earlier, on October 10, 2026, security forces had deployed about 41,000 personnel across the Capital, turning it into a fortress to thwart a planned protest.
Building on its earlier observations, the Supreme Court on October 11, 2025, ordered that metro and railway services in Delhi operate normally and that internet connectivity remain undisturbed. It also mandated the removal of notices referring to Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in and around the Supreme Court complex to prevent apprehensions about access to justice. The bench further directed that lawyers and journalists not face obstruction in the performance of their duties.
The court’s order to remove Section 163 notices around the Supreme Court was aimed at ensuring that citizens could approach the judiciary without fear of being barred by prohibitory signage. By linking the right to move freely with the right to access justice, the bench sought to curb any chill that security measures might impose on public participation in legal processes.
In addition to the interim directions, the Supreme Court initiated contempt proceedings against Delhi Police, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and railway authorities for failing to comply with previous orders regarding transport restrictions. The court warned that non‑compliance with its directives could result in further legal consequences, underscoring the seriousness with which it viewed the disruption of essential services.
As of the latest chronology entry on October 13, 2026, the Supreme Court had issued directions concerning detentions and the functioning of public services, while the earlier orders from October 11, 2025, remained in effect. The authorities are expected to adhere to the mandates on barricade review, normal Metro and railway operation, uninterrupted internet, and unhindered access for legal professionals and journalists, or face potential contempt action.