The Supreme Court on Tuesday formally adjourned the batch of petitions challenging the sweeping security clampdowns, detentions, and alleged police excesses during demonstrations in the national capital to Thursday, October 15.
The adjournment was necessitated after a member of the presiding bench, Justice V. Mohana, fell unwell.
Bench Proceedings and Directions
A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana agreed to the joint request for adjournment.
- Response Deadline: The apex court granted the Delhi Police and central authorities until Wednesday evening to file formal responses to notices issued in ongoing contempt proceedings, which allege non-compliance with the court’s earlier directives.
- Curing Filing Defects: The bench noted that fresh petitions concerning the protests could also be taken up on Thursday, provided counsels ensure that pending registry defects are rectified.
- Judicial Boundaries: During the proceedings, CJI Kant reiterated caution against attempting to pull judicial institutions into political disputes, emphasizing that while peaceful democratic assemblies at designated locations must be protected, court access and judicial functioning cannot be impeded.
Background on the Protests and Legal Scrutiny
The legal challenges stem from widespread agitations organized by various political outfits and pressure groups—including the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and the INDIA bloc—demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over controversies surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In a special weekend sitting, a bench had previously ordered that peaceful, unarmed protesters must not be detained outside the bounds of established law and directed authorities to restore normal public transit, including unhindered metro operations and internet access.
With responses due by Wednesday evening, the matters are slated for detailed substantive review on Thursday.
