New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday criticised authorities for imposing extensive restrictions ahead of a protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), scheduled to take place in Delhi on Saturday, saying preventive measures should be limited to what is necessary.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said authorities could take action to prevent disruptions but should ensure that their response was proportionate.
“You may have to prevent certain things, but take only as much action as is necessary. That does not mean using a hammer to kill a fly,” the CJI observed.
The court said metro services could not be completely halted and directed authorities to consider regulating metro and train operations in a way that minimises inconvenience to the public. It also called for advisories to be published in newspapers and on websites to inform commuters about travel arrangements.
Ahead of the protest, 57 metro stations were scheduled to remain closed from 9pm on Friday. In addition, all mail and express trains arriving at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations on Saturday were reportedly cancelled, with the cancellations implemented from their originating stations.
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday that he would attend the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 with his family. He also appealed to people across the country to participate in large numbers.
