The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Friday revised its earlier order restricting access to 57 Metro stations, reducing the number of affected stations to 45 following the Supreme Court's intervention over sweeping transport curbs imposed ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday.
The revised arrangements came after the apex court directed the Centre and Delhi Police to lift blanket restrictions on Metro and railway services, observing that security measures could not amount to a complete prohibition on public transport or cause disproportionate inconvenience to ordinary citizens.
Earlier in the day, the DMRC had announced that entry and exit gates at 57 Metro stations would remain closed from 9 pm on Friday as part of the security arrangements for the October 10 demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The subsequent revision reduced the number of stations facing restrictions, although significant disruptions to passenger movement were still expected across parts of the capital.
Supreme Court questions blanket curbs
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana questioned the need for extensive transport restrictions, observing that authorities could regulate services to maintain law and order but should not suspend them indiscriminately.
The court drew a distinction between regulating public transport and stopping it altogether. It emphasised that preventive security arrangements must remain proportionate to the threat and should not unnecessarily interfere with the movement of millions of residents.
The bench also questioned whether less restrictive alternatives could achieve the same security objectives, particularly when commuters depended on Metro and railway services for work, medical appointments and other essential activities.
Railway cancellations under scrutiny
The court's observations also covered restrictions imposed on railway services ahead of the demonstration.
Indian Railways had announced the cancellation of Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at or depart from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday, citing anticipated severe road congestion around the stations.
The cancellations affected several long-distance services, including the Howrah-New Delhi and Sealdah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express trains.
The court stressed that the authorities should consider measures that regulate passenger movement without bringing essential transport services to a complete halt.
Security arrangements continue
The transport restrictions form part of extensive security arrangements announced ahead of the CJP demonstration demanding Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police have denied permission for the gathering, citing concerns over public order and alleged violations of police directions during previous demonstrations.
The revised Metro order indicates that the authorities have scaled back part of their original plan following judicial intervention. However, the reported update did not provide a complete station-wise list of the 45 affected stations or clarify when normal entry and exit arrangements would be restored.
The developments have placed renewed emphasis on the need to balance preventive policing with the public's right to access essential transport services during political demonstrations.