DMRC closes six metro stations despite Supreme Court directive

The six affected stations—Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, and Barakhamba Road—remain closed for entry and exit, though interchange facilities between lines continue to operate. DMRC officials stated that decisions regarding reopening will follow a review of the security situation by law enforcement agencies.

The latest restrictions follow a Sunday emergency ruling by a special Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, which explicitly instructed authorities not to impose wholesale shutdowns of public transit, shut down internet access, or detain peaceful, unarmed protesters without due legal process. 

The top court emphasized that while reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) can be enforced for public order, security measures must not cause disproportionate disruption to the general public.

The transport curbs follow widespread disruptions on Friday and Saturday, when DMRC shut down up to 57 and 45 metro stations respectively during capital-wide demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) announced plans to press ahead with its anti-electoral manipulation campaign. CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka stated on X (formerly Twitter) that party leaders, including Sourav Dash and Ratna Singh, will visit the Parliamentary Street Police Station at 10:00 AM on Monday to formally request a designated date for a peaceful rally at Jantar Mantar, warning that the party will unilaterally call fresh street demonstrations if police fail to approve the venue within 24 hours.