Delhi Protest: SC Defers Hearing to Oct. 15, Seeks Centre's Reply
The hearing was postponed after Justice V Mohana attended proceedings despite being unwell. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant informed the lawyers about Justice Mohana’s condition, following which Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought an adjournment. Other senior advocates, including Gopal Sankaranarayanan, agreed to the deferment.
The bench, comprising the CJI and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, was scheduled to hear a contempt petition alleging that authorities had breached the court’s directions concerning metro and train services before the protest. The Centre had been required to file its response by Tuesday, but Mehta said the affidavit needed additional material to make it more comprehensive.
The court extended the deadline for filing the affidavit and directed that a copy be provided to lawyers representing the petitioners. The bench had earlier assured the petitioners that their matters would be listed after several pleas were mentioned for urgent consideration. The CJI also asked the parties to cure procedural defects in their filings.
Sankaranarayanan sought urgent consideration of a contempt petition filed by a journalist, alleging non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s October 11 order. In that order, the court said people gathering peacefully could not be illegally detained and directed the Centre to ensure that Delhi Metro services operated normally. It also said internet services should not be disrupted, subject to law-and-order requirements.
Delhi has witnessed several protests seeking the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Centre’s affidavit is expected to clarify its position on the alleged breach of the court’s directions and the measures taken during the demonstrations.