CJP Protest: Supreme Court Orders No Illegal Detention of Peaceful Protesters, Directs Normal Metro Services

The Supreme Court on Sunday directed authorities to ensure that people are not detained except in accordance with the procedure established by law, particularly those peacefully and unarmedly assembling outside areas covered by prohibitory orders. The directions came amid a controversy over the detention of thousands of people during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi on October 10.

A bench of Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana also directed authorities to ensure the normal functioning of Metro and railway services, uninterrupted internet facilities and free movement of people and traffic. The court further ordered the removal of a board displaying prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) outside the Supreme Court premises to prevent apprehension regarding access to justice. Dhruv Rathee Says ‘I Was Kidnapped, Not Detained’, Slams Police After Release (Video).

Supreme Court Hears Pleas Over Detention of CJP Protesters

The special Sunday hearing followed petitions challenging police action during the protests, including alleged illegal detentions, restrictions on movement, internet suspension and the closure of Metro stations and railway services.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha approached the Supreme Court alleging disproportionate use of force against protesters. Separate petitions also sought the release of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, co-convenor Saurav Das, spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka and others who were reportedly detained in connection with the demonstrations.

During the hearing, lawyers raised concerns about protesters, students, political leaders and civilians being detained, while restrictions on public transport allegedly caused widespread inconvenience.

Court Directs No Illegal Detention of Peaceful Protesters

The Supreme Court directed that no individual should be detained except in accordance with the procedure established by law, particularly in the case of peaceful and unarmed people assembling beyond areas where prohibitory orders are in force. CJP Leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Released on INR 50,000 Surety Bond, Says Delhi Police.

 Supreme Court Orders No Illegal Detention of Peaceful Protesters

#BREAKING Supreme Court orders no illegal detention can take place of those peacefully gathering.

Court orders Metro & Rail Services to function normally, Internet facilities must remain undisturbed as per law and free movement of people and traffic be permitted.

Court also directed take down S.163 board outside Supreme Court, so there is no apprehension with regard to access to justice.

#SupremeCourt #CECProtest

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) October 11, 2026

The direction came after petitions and submissions raised concerns about the scale of detentions during the protests. Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy told the court that around 7,000 people had reportedly been detained, while the state had not provided official figures. Thousands of people were detained during the October 10 crackdown, according to media reports. Most were released later that night, while the detention of several protest leaders prompted separate legal proceedings.

Metro, Railway Services and Internet Must Function Normally

The court directed that Metro and railway services should function according to their normal schedules, subject to restrictions required to address public-order concerns under Article 19(2) of the Constitution. It also directed that internet facilities remain undisturbed and that free movement of people be permitted, subject to traffic regulations. Authorities were further asked to review barricades promptly, keeping law-and-order requirements and traffic conditions in mind.

The directions followed the Supreme Court's October 9 order that Metro and train services should not be completely prohibited to manage the planned protests. The court had instead called for regulated operations that would minimise inconvenience to the public. During Sunday's hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that Metro services were functioning fully, all stations had reopened and internet connectivity had been restored.

Section 163 Board Outside Supreme Court to Be Removed

The court directed authorities to take down the board concerning the imposition of Section 163 of the BNSS in the area around the Supreme Court, if it had not already been removed. The direction was intended to ensure that people did not feel apprehensive about approaching the Supreme Court or accessing other courts. Section 163 empowers authorities to issue urgent orders in cases involving potential danger or a threat to public tranquillity. Such orders may restrict assemblies and other activities in specified circumstances.

Court Seeks Responses Over Alleged Non-Compliance

The Supreme Court issued notices to the alleged contemnors in connection with claims that its earlier directions concerning public transport had not been followed. It directed them to file responses to the contempt petition and submit a compliance report by Tuesday. The proceedings come amid wider concerns over restrictions imposed before the CJP-led demonstrations against Gyanesh Kumar and the revision of electoral rolls.

The protests were called over allegations that changes to voter lists disproportionately affected certain communities and benefited the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The allegations concerning the electoral-roll revision have been disputed, while the court proceedings are examining the legality of the restrictions and police actions connected with the demonstrations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 11, 2026 01:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).