Supreme Court Orders Review of Delhi Barricades, Directs Normal Metro and Rail Services

New Delhi, October 11, 2026 The Supreme Court on Sunday directed authorities to review barricading across Delhi and ensure the smooth movement of people and traffic in accordance with the law. During a special hearing, the bench reiterated its role as a neutral arbiter and emphasised its constitutional responsibility to protect fundamental rights under Article 32. The directions came amid concerns over alleged excessive force, unlawful detentions and restrictions affecting public movement. The bench observed that further reports about the incident would continue to emerge, but allegations of violations of statutory duties would require responses from the authorities. These included claims of excessive force, illegal detentions and the alleged involvement of a police officer who was not wearing a badge. The court scheduled the matters for further hearing on Tuesday and permitted lawyers seeking to intervene to file impleadment applications, provided copies were served on the Solicitor General’s office by Sunday. During the hearing, a lawyer raised concerns about the alleged seizure of mobile phones belonging to protesters, including vulnerable individuals. The bench said the issue would be considered on Tuesday and directed the lawyer to file an application. At the conclusion of the proceedings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal thanked the bench for its intervention. The Supreme Court further directed that Metro and railway services in Delhi continue to operate normally unless restrictions become necessary to address a public order situation. It also instructed authorities to facilitate the movement of people and vehicles, subject to traffic requirements, and immediately reassess the need for barricades in view of law-and-order and traffic conditions. The bench stressed that internet services must remain uninterrupted in accordance with the law. Emphasising the protection of fundamental rights, the court said there must be no unlawful detention and that any detention must follow the procedure established by law. It specifically referred to people participating in peaceful, unarmed assemblies outside areas where prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) are in force. The matter is scheduled to return to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, when the concerns raised during the hearing are expected to be considered further.