Supreme Court applies proportionality test to Delhi's blanket transport shutdown ahead of protest

The Supreme Court on October 9, 2026 criticised the Centre's decision to close 57 Delhi Metro stations and cancel trains ahead of the October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar, observing that authorities "cannot use a hammer to kill a fly" and that security measures must satisfy the principle of proportionality. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said regulating movement is acceptable but a complete halt is not, and pressed the Centre on commuters' equal right to public transport. The court also suggested designating an open, spacious alternative protest site with basic amenities instead of the cramped Jantar Mantar. Covered by ETV Bharat and The Indian Express. (Etvbharat, Indian Express)

• The Supreme Court on October 9, 2026 criticised the Centre's decision to close 57 Delhi Metro stations and cancel trains ahead of the October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar, observing that authorities "cannot use a hammer t
• A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said regulating movement is acceptable but a complete halt is not, and pressed the Centre on commuters' equal right to public transport.
• The court also suggested designating an open, spacious alternative protest site with basic amenities instead of the cramped Jantar Mantar.