Contempt Plea Filed Against Delhi Authorities for Metro Shutdown

The Cliff News | 10 October 2026

A contempt petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Saturday, accusing Delhi authorities of a 'blanket shutdown' of metro and train services, allegedly violating an October 9 order. The plea contends that despite the court's directive for regulated movement, authorities imposed a complete prohibition, causing significant disruption.

The petition, lodged by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, names Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chairperson D Thara as respondents. It asserts that this action represents a 'brutal assault on the fundamental rights of the citizens' and a 'sheer disregard' for the court's orders.

Supreme Court's Directive for Regulated Movement

The Supreme Court had previously issued a clear directive on Friday, October 9, stating that there should be no 'complete prohibition' of movement for the protest scheduled for October 10. The court emphasized that while law enforcement agencies have the right to regulate movement to prevent unruly situations, citizens should not face undue harassment.

The apex court had specifically stated that authorities 'cannot bring everything to a halt.' This direction was given while the court was hearing a separate petition concerning the closure of 57 metro stations and train cancellations leading into Delhi, in anticipation of a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and some student organizations. The protest was reportedly against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Election Commission's functioning.

Allegations of 'Blanket Shutdown' and Disobedience

The contempt plea details how, 'notwithstanding the solemn judicial mandate and the assurance recorded before the top court,' the authorities have 'consciously maintained a blanket shutdown across transit corridors.' The petition further accuses them of 'unwarranted train cancellations' and failing to issue or publicize transparent traffic and transit advisories. This deliberate inaction, the plea argues, has 'severely crippled public life' and amounts to an 'intentional attempt to bypass and undermine the authority and majesty of this court.'

The petitioner, who stated they were personally affected by the 'arbitrary closure' of metro stations, visited at least two stations – GTB Nagar metro station and Vishwavidyalaya metro station – on Friday night around 9:30 pm. They observed that entry gates were completely closed, and exit gates were being manually regulated. The plea alleges that authorities were 'deliberately, intentionally and knowingly creating lawless conditions in the National Capital Territory.'

Relief Sought from the Apex Court

The contempt petition seeks the initiation of contempt proceedings against the respondents for their alleged 'deliberate, willful and contumacious disobedience' of the October 9 order. It argues for immediate intervention by the court due to the 'blatant violations' of its directives, highlighting that only regulatory measures, not preventive steps like a complete shutdown, were permitted.

Furthermore, the plea requests an urgent ad-interim direction. This would command the respondents to immediately revoke all blanket prohibitory orders affecting metro and railway operations. It also calls for the enforcement of a strictly regulated, operational schedule that is promptly communicated to the public through immediate notice.

Call for Respondents to Appear in Person

The plea urges the Supreme Court to issue notices to the respondents, directing them to appear in person before the court. This appearance would be to present their case and show cause why they should not be punished for committing contempt of court. The petition, filed through advocate Chand Qureshi, emphasizes the need for the court to deal with such 'sheer disregard to the orders' with an 'iron hand.'