A contempt petition has been filed in the Supreme Court alleging violation of its October 9 order prohibiting complete shutdown of public transport ahead of CJP protests. The plea names Union Home Secretary, Delhi Police Commissioner, and Delhi Metro officials as respondents.
A contempt of court petition was filed in the Supreme Court on October 10, 2026, alleging that Delhi Metro stations remained closed despite the Court’s prior order dated October 9 restraining authorities from imposing a complete shutdown of public transport in connection with the scheduled CJP protests at Jantar Mantar. The petition, filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, seeks initiation of contempt proceedings against Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation officials.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed that essential public services, including metro operations, must remain functional during protests, balancing public order and fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(a) and (d). The petitioner alleged that the closure constitutes deliberate disobedience of a specific judicial directive, warranting coercive action under Article 129 of the Constitution.
This development underscores the increasing scrutiny of executive decisions during political gatherings and the judiciary’s role in upholding rule of law. For practitioners, the case highlights the enforceability of interim orders and the scope of criminal contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The outcome may set precedent on institutional accountability during public events.
Citations
- Article 129, Constitution of India
- Contempt of Courts Act, 1971
