Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has told the Supreme Court that timely, proportionate and lawful police measures helped avert a major public order situation during protests in the national capital on October 10.
Kumar tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology in a contempt case concerning the alleged violation of the court’s direction against a complete suspension of Metro and train services during the protest. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is scheduled to hear the matter on Thursday.
In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, Kumar said the preventive measures taken after the Cockroach Janta Party called the protest were based on intelligence inputs and an assessment of the prevailing and rapidly changing situation on the ground.
He referred to steps taken by the police administration, including the regulation of Delhi Metro services. The commissioner stated that these actions were directed toward maintaining peace and tranquillity, and preventing any disturbance of public order in the national capital, while emphasizing that police efforts should be viewed within the context of Delhi's unique sensitivities.
The affidavit noted that no police administration can permit a breach of public order, particularly following a call from an organization with a history of mob violence, destruction of property, and injuries during events earlier in October. The commissioner added that an incorrect narrative was being propagated regarding the lawful steps taken by authorities.
The contempt case stems from allegations that transit restrictions violated a Supreme Court directive preventing a total prohibition on metro and train services on account of the October 10 demonstration. Following a prima facie finding by the bench, notices were issued to Kumar, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Chairperson D Thara. The protest had been organized by the Cockroach Janta Party to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities.