Police should not enforce law and order by overriding govt; SC orders removal of barricades

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has directed authorities to remove barricades installed across Delhi and allow people to move freely. Accepting the government’s assurance that metro services would return to normal, the court also ordered the restoration of internet services. It further made it clear that lawyers must not be prevented from discharging their official duties. The court was hearing multiple pleas related to police action during protests in Delhi.

The court observed that the police should not enforce law and order by overriding the government. Civil liberties must not be curtailed to prevent protests, it said, adding that both life and liberty are equally important. The court also said that the petitions could be taken on record.

Meantime, senior advocate Kapil Sibal urged the Supreme Court to issue an order allowing peaceful protests. He said trains should be permitted to reach Delhi from their originating stations. He also sought an interim order opposing the imposition of restrictions beyond a four-kilometre radius around Jantar Mantar.

Sibal expressed dissatisfaction over having to repeatedly approach the Supreme Court seeking relief. In response, the court said it wanted to restore his faith in the institution.
The Supreme Court issued notices to the Delhi Police, the Union Home Secretary, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and others regarding the circumstances surrounding the detention of protesters. The court directed them to submit a report by Tuesday.

Meanwhile, organisations including the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the All-India Students’ Federation (AISF) held a protest march at Connaught Place in Delhi. Police attempted to forcibly remove the demonstrators. According to reports, the protests are still continuing.