The Supreme Court on Tuesday deferred to October 15 the hearing on a batch of petitions concerning protests in Delhi and the closure of metro stations and disruption of train services around the October 10 demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant adjourned the matter because Justice V Mohana was unwell.
The bench also granted the Centre and the Delhi Police more time to file responses in contempt proceedings that allege officials disobeyed the court's earlier directions against completely halting public transport ahead of the protests.
Judge's illness prompts adjournment
The three-judge bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was scheduled to take up the petitions on October 13. Justice Mohana joined the proceedings despite her indisposition, and the CJI told the lawyers present that she had come to court even though she was unwell.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the bench to adjourn, saying health concerns should not be overlooked. Senior advocates appearing for the petitioners, including Gopal Sankaranarayanan, agreed to the deferment.
Centre gets more time on contempt plea
The bench took up the plea alleging contempt for disobedience of the apex court's direction that metro and train services should not be completely halted ahead of the October 10 agitation. The Centre's response was due on Tuesday. Mehta told the court the affidavit was ready but said he wanted to add material to make it more comprehensive. The bench extended the filing deadline and directed that the affidavit be supplied to the petitioners' counsel as well.
According to court proceedings, the authorities were given until Wednesday evening to file responses, with the rescheduled hearing now set for Thursday, October 15.
What the petitions allege
The petitions concern allegations of illegal detentions, excessive police action and curbs on public transport and internet services during demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court had earlier issued notices to the authorities over claims that the restrictions imposed during the protests violated judicial directions meant to protect public movement and essential services.
Sources: Business Standard: SC defers hearing on pleas over Delhi protests, metro disruptions to Oct 15 · The Hindu: Anti-CEC protests highlights
The bench also granted the Centre and the Delhi Police more time to file responses in contempt proceedings that allege officials disobeyed the court's earlier directions against completely halting public transport ahead of the protests.
Judge's illness prompts adjournment
The three-judge bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was scheduled to take up the petitions on October 13. Justice Mohana joined the proceedings despite her indisposition, and the CJI told the lawyers present that she had come to court even though she was unwell.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the bench to adjourn, saying health concerns should not be overlooked. Senior advocates appearing for the petitioners, including Gopal Sankaranarayanan, agreed to the deferment.
Centre gets more time on contempt plea
The bench took up the plea alleging contempt for disobedience of the apex court's direction that metro and train services should not be completely halted ahead of the October 10 agitation. The Centre's response was due on Tuesday. Mehta told the court the affidavit was ready but said he wanted to add material to make it more comprehensive. The bench extended the filing deadline and directed that the affidavit be supplied to the petitioners' counsel as well.
According to court proceedings, the authorities were given until Wednesday evening to file responses, with the rescheduled hearing now set for Thursday, October 15.
What the petitions allege
The petitions concern allegations of illegal detentions, excessive police action and curbs on public transport and internet services during demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court had earlier issued notices to the authorities over claims that the restrictions imposed during the protests violated judicial directions meant to protect public movement and essential services.
Sources: Business Standard: SC defers hearing on pleas over Delhi protests, metro disruptions to Oct 15 · The Hindu: Anti-CEC protests highlights
