The Supreme Court is conducting a special hearing on petitions challenging police action during Saturday’s protests in Delhi, including a contempt plea alleging non-compliance with its October 9 order concerning restrictions on metro and train services.

During the proceedings, the bench emphasised that movement across the national capital should be restored, subject to public order requirements. It also stressed that lawyers must be allowed to carry out their professional duties without obstruction.

The petitions raise several concerns, including the alleged unlawful detention of political leaders, advocates and citizens, reported assaults on lawyers and media personnel, internet restrictions and the closure of 45 Metro stations.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal sought urgent interim relief, asking the court to facilitate the resumption of train services to Delhi and lift restrictions imposed beyond the Jantar Mantar protest area.

Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy argued that the matter involved broader constitutional concerns rather than being limited to individual detentions. “This is about the Constitution,” she told the court.

The bench also sought an explanation from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation regarding the decision to close stations. During the hearing, it indicated that it wanted to restore Sibal’s faith in the institution.

The proceedings are focused on the legality and scope of the restrictions imposed during the protests, with the court examining concerns over public movement, access to legal representation and the treatment of demonstrators.