Supreme Court orders Delhi Metro, internet restored in Sunday sitting
Why in the news
On Sunday, 11 October 2026, the Supreme Court held a special sitting and directed authorities to restore normal Metro, rail and internet services in Delhi after curbs during the 10 October protests against the Election Commission of India. It also issued contempt notices.
Key facts
- Bench: Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana.
- Services: Metro and rail may be regulated for public order but must not be fully suspended; internet must stay uninterrupted; free movement allowed subject to traffic rules and lawful restrictions.
- Section 163 BNSS: boards announcing prohibitory orders around the Supreme Court were to be removed and barricades reviewed so that access to courts is not blocked.
- Detentions: no one, including peaceful and unarmed protesters outside prohibited areas, to be detained except by procedure established by law.
- Advocates: no lawyer to be stopped from professional work.
- Contempt: notices issued to alleged contemnors; replies and a compliance report due by Tuesday, 13 October.
- Earlier order: on 9 October, in MA Baby v Union of India, the court had told authorities not to fully halt trains to Delhi or shut the Metro.
About the legal provisions
Article 19 guarantees freedoms such as speech and peaceful assembly, but these can face reasonable restrictions. The bench noted that the freedom does not bar regulation, yet any restriction must meet constitutional standards. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) lets authorities issue prohibitory orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger; it replaced Section 144 of the old CrPC.
Exam angle
- Section 163 BNSS is the successor to Section 144 CrPC.
- Article 19(1)(b) protects the right to assemble peacefully and without arms.
- The Supreme Court can punish contempt of itself under Article 129.