The Supreme Court of India convened a special Sunday hearing to address contempt and habeas corpus petitions focusing on movement restrictions, detentions, and public transport shutdowns across Delhi. The bench issued formal notices directing responses from key authorities, including the Home Secretary, the Delhi Police Commissioner, and the chairperson of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
During the proceedings, the apex court directed that metro and railway operations must continue normally unless specific regulations are strictly necessary to maintain public order. It further ordered an immediate review of police barricades across the capital, mandating that the free movement of individuals and traffic be allowed under standard traffic guidelines.
Emphasizing legal safeguards, the court ruled that no detentions can occur outside the bounds of the law, noting that peaceful and unarmed gatherings situated outside Section 163 restriction zones cannot be suppressed. The bench also extended protections to journalists and legal professionals carrying out their official duties, while ordering that internet services remain uninterrupted.
All associated petitions have been scheduled for further consideration on Tuesday as authorities prepare to submit their formal responses to the directives.