SC interim order bars ‘illegal’ detentions, directs normal metro, rail services amid CEC protests
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The Supreme Court on Sunday passed an interim order directing that people peacefully assembling to protest must not be illegally detained “except save by law”, The Hindu reported.
It directed that metro and railway services function normally, internet services remain undisturbed in accordance with law, and free movement of people and traffic be permitted in Delhi, Live Law reported.
The court also directed that lawyers must not be obstructed from discharging their professional duties.
A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing petitions challenging the detention of protesters and restrictions on public transport during Saturday’s demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
During the hearing, lawyers alleged that the police had detained persons beyond the area covered by restrictions that prohibited gatherings, suspended internet services and prevented lawyers from moving freely and discharging their professional duties, The Hindu reported.
Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, who petitioned the court over the detentions, questioned whether a state of emergency had effectively been imposed, the newspaper reported. She argued that young persons had taken to the streets because they believed “the electoral system was not free and fair”.
Advocate Kapil Sibal told the court that protesters were being picked up from trains and from outside the four-kilometre area covered by prohibitory orders.
However, in response, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta claimed before the court...