Supreme Court Sets Sunday Hearing on Delhi Detentions
The Supreme Court will hold a special sitting on Sunday, October 11, to hear petitions challenging the preventive detention of opposition leaders during the Delhi protests and alleging violation of the Court’s earlier directions against blanket public transport restrictions.
Supreme Court Sets Special Sunday Hearing
A special Bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana will hear the matters arising from the October 10 protests in New Delhi.
Trinamool Congress MP and Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy has approached the Court under Article 32, challenging the preventive detention of several opposition leaders during demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The plea argues that preventive detention cannot be used to suppress the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Four Former Chief Ministers Among Those Detained
The petition refers to the detention of several senior political leaders, including former Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan and Manik Sarkar.
It also questions allegations that some political leaders were picked up from their homes or other locations before they could reach the protest venue.
The Court has not yet ruled on the legality of the detentions.
Contempt Plea Over Metro and Train Restrictions
The Bench will also hear a separate contempt petition alleging that authorities failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s October 9 directions on keeping essential transport services operational.
The petition names senior government, police and Delhi Metro officials and alleges that metro closures and train disruptions continued despite the Court cautioning against blanket restrictions.
The hearings come after extensive security measures, detentions and transport disruptions across Delhi during protests demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over the electoral roll revision controversy.
