Delhi Metro shuts down despite Supreme Court order: Check full list of affected stations | Today’s news
Entry and exit at six Delhi Metro stations will remain closed on Monday, October 12. According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the restrictions will be in place from 6 am to 4 pm. The DMRC announced the closure on Monday, citing security concerns, amid plans for more protests.
The affected stations are Janpath, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road and Central Secretariat. Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk are also affected.
Passengers can still transfer at these stations as interchange facilities will remain available. Security agencies will assess the situation and DMRC will share updates accordingly.
The announcement followed the Supreme Court’s order on Sunday, October 11, regarding traffic and protests. The court ordered metro and rail services to operate as normal, subject to legal restrictions. According to the Supreme Court, the security measures cannot completely stop public transport and worry millions of residents.
The court also ordered authorities to allow people to move and keep internet services uninterrupted. These guidelines remain subject to law.
According to the SC, peaceful, unarmed protesters cannot be detained without following the procedure laid down by law. In particular, his instructions related to gatherings outside the areas where the bans were in place.
Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the directions after an urgent hearing. The petitions cited mass detentions, movement restrictions, internet suspensions and failure to comply with earlier orders. The court allowed traffic restrictions if necessary for public order within the said constitutional framework.
Protests against Gyanesh Kumar
Monday’s shutdown comes amid planned protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition called for a march from Connaught Place to the Supreme Court.
Protesters have alleged irregularities in a particularly intensive revision of electoral rolls. The Janta Cockroach Party, led by Abhijeet Dipek, had earlier planned a protest at Jantar Mantar.
Delhi witnessed heightened security and detention for two consecutive days over the weekend. Police have barricaded roads leading to Jantar Mantar and deployed personnel at important crossings. Security is expected to remain tight in Lutyens’ Delhi on Monday.
Delhi Metro services were functioning on Sunday after a widespread station closure on Saturday, when DMRC closed 45 stations. Earlier, 57 stations were ordered closed due to protests. The Supreme Court has ordered the Center and Delhi police to lift widespread traffic restrictions.
Along with Monday’s restrictions at railway stations, road transport may also face difficulties. The Delhi Traffic Police issued an alert late on Sunday evening about possible disruptions in central Delhi.
Diversions and restrictions may start from 6am depending on conditions. Thirty traffic points have been identified, including Connaught Place, Mandi House, Patel Chowk and Sansad Marg. Other affected stretches may include Ashoka Road, Jantar Mantar Road and Tolstoy Marg.
