Supreme Court Directs Against Complete Shutdown of Delhi Metro and Train Services

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student organizations called for a protest on October 10, 2026, at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list tampering. In response, the Delhi Police requested the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to close 57 metro stations from 9 PM on October 9, 2026, and sought the cancellation of trains to Delhi. Security measures included the deployment of approximately 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel, 10,000 Delhi Police officers, and the suspension of mobile internet services within a 4-kilometer radius of Jantar Mantar. Liquor shops were also ordered to remain closed on October 9 and 10.

On October 9, 2026, the Supreme Court, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, intervened after petitions challenged these restrictions. The Court directed authorities not to impose a complete prohibition on metro and train services, emphasizing that public transport could be regulated but not entirely shut down. Despite this order, the DMRC announced that entry and exit gates at 45 metro stations would remain closed from 9 PM on October 9 until 6 PM on October 10. Advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi filed a contempt of court petition against Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, and DMRC Chairperson D Thara, alleging non-compliance with the Court's order. Several CJP members and activists were detained.