New Delhi, Oct 9 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Friday directed that there shall be no complete prohibition on the movement of Delhi metro trains, recording the Solicitor General's assurance that authorities will reconsider the curbs and allow services in a suitably regulated manner.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the order on petitions challenging the closure of metro stations and cancellation of trains ahead of the October 10 protest seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The court took note of a communication dated October 8 from the office of the Joint Commissioner of Police, Transport Range, to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, and another dated October 9 issued by the Railways to all zonal railways.
These orders restricted metro services and Mail and Express trains reaching New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations, citing the likelihood of unruly movement towards these locations.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, had submitted that the entire capital was being locked down and that citizens have a fundamental right to protest.
The bench granted liberty to the organisers of the protest to approach the court by way of an urgent petition. The senior counsel objecting to the stoppage had clarified that they do not represent the protesters, and no petition had been filed on behalf of the organisers.
The court said the limited issue was whether the complete prohibition on the movement of metro trains and other trains would amount to proportionate restrictions.
The Solicitor General agreed to impress upon the authorities to reconsider the prohibition and allow movement in a suitably regulated manner. The court directed that wide publicity be given to the decision to minimise inconvenience to the public.