The Cockroach Janta Party protest in Delhi on October 10 has reached the Supreme Court, which has told the Centre not to bring train and Metro services to a complete halt and to run them in a regulated manner instead. The order came after the government announced it would cancel several trains headed for the capital and shut 57 Delhi Metro stations.
Key Points at a Glance
- The Supreme Court asked the Centre not to stop trains and Metro services completely and to run them in a regulated manner.
- Delhi Metro announced the closure of 57 stations from 9 pm on Friday, until further orders.
- The railways cancelled several Delhi-bound trains, citing possible disruption around Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations on October 10.
- Chief Justice Surya Kant said precautionary steps are allowed, but one should not use a hammer to kill a fly.
Supreme Court Order on the Cockroach Janta Party Protest
Chief Justice Surya Kant said precautionary steps to maintain law and order were permissible, but they should not completely stop ordinary people from moving around. Cautioning against excessive measures, he said one should not use a hammer to kill a fly.
The bench noted that students, employees and elderly people travelling from Gurugram, Greater Noida and other parts of the Delhi region depend on public transport, and said their difficulties could not be ignored. Trains and Metro services could be regulated, it observed, but stopping them altogether would not be appropriate.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, assured the court that he would speak to officials and consider running the services in a controlled manner. The court also asked that the decisions and travel advisories be publicised through newspapers and websites so that passengers are spared inconvenience.
The Principle of Proportionality
The court was hearing a plea by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who said all trains had been cancelled and Metro stations closed, leaving people unable to go anywhere. He described the Cockroach Janta Party protest as a peaceful one and asked what was happening in the country.
In response, Chief Justice Kant said the court follows the principle of proportionality for every citizen. If something has to be restricted, he said, the steps taken should be only as many as are necessary and no more.
For context, proportionality in constitutional law means that a restriction on a right must be no greater than what is needed to achieve its purpose. The Constitution guarantees citizens the right to assemble peaceably and without arms under Article 19(1)(b), while Article 19(3) allows the state to impose reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order and other specified grounds.
What the Court Left Undecided
The court did not rule on other issues linked to the protest, including allegations of internet shutdowns and claims that police visited mosques to advise people against joining the demonstration. The bench made it clear that, in this hearing, its attention was confined to transport services.
Trains Cancelled, Metro Stations Closed
Earlier, the railways cancelled several trains bound for Delhi ahead of the protest, arguing that traffic around the Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations could be heavily affected on October 10. Because such trains will not reach Delhi, their return journeys are also feared to be cancelled.
The timing adds to commuters’ worries. The Dussehra festival season begins on October 11, a time when large numbers of passengers travel home by train, and cancelled services could make those journeys harder.
Delhi Metro, for its part, announced that 57 of its stations would be closed from 9 pm on Friday. The stations are to remain shut on October 10 and until further orders.
Demand Behind the Cockroach Janta Party Protest
The Cockroach Janta Party has announced an agitation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi from October 10, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Supreme Court’s order refers to the October 10 demonstration by the party and opposition parties.
What Happens Next
Whether the Centre will now restore some train and Metro services in a regulated manner is yet to be seen. The Solicitor General has said he will speak to officials, and the court has asked that any decision be publicised widely.
For commuters, the Cockroach Janta Party protest has meant uncertainty over trains, Metro rides and festival travel plans. Passengers planning to travel to or through Delhi on October 10 and in the days that follow should check railway and Metro advisories before leaving home.
