The Supreme Court on Friday raised concerns over the closure of Metro station entry gates of 57 metro stations ahead of the October 10 Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, warning that the move could disrupt travel for thousands of commuters, including students, employees and senior citizens travelling from Gurugram, Greater Noida and other parts of Delhi-NCR.
During the hearing on petitions challenging restrictions imposed ahead of the protest, the court observed that the government was entitled to introduce regulatory measures but could not use security concerns as a reason to bring all activities to a standstill. The hearing comes amid wider security preparations across Delhi-NCR ahead of the CJP demonstration. Indian Railways has cancelled several mail and express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations. Police have conducted mock drills in Seelampur and Gokalpuri as part of the preparations.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has also been deployed alongside Delhi and Noida Police at the Chilla border, which is scheduled to be sealed from 9 pm.
Mehta told the court that he would consult the government on the proposed closure of Metro station entry gates. Mehta said he would convey the court’s concerns to the government, adding that an impression was being created that something was wrong.
