SC mandates free movement, no illegal detentions, ‘subject to public order’
Court seeks affidavits on Metro curbs and alleged violations of its October 9 order
On the day following mass detentions and a curfew-like restriction on civil liberties in Delhi, the Supreme Court held a special emergency hearing. Senior lawyers compared the situation to India's 1975 Emergency, demanding a return to free movement and public services. The court's Special Bench, composed of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, issued orders to the Union government, Delhi Police, and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
They were instructed to allow unfettered movement, maintain internet connectivity, and lift prohibitory orders near the Supreme Court and other courts of law. The court stressed that detentions should only occur by legal authority, particularly outside a four-kilometer radius of central Delhi. While the legality of the prohibitory orders remained unaddressed, the court emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, access to courts, and the Internet, while preserving the government's power to maintain public order.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
