Delhi Police has told the Supreme Court that restrictions imposed during protests in the capital were necessary to maintain public order and security. The police filed an affidavit explaining measures taken in sensitive areas and defended limits placed around a proposed demonstration by the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP.

The affidavit was filed by Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar. It describes steps taken to comply with court directions and strengthen security in areas considered sensitive during the period of unrest and demonstrations.

Why police defended the restrictions

Delhi Police said the capital contains several important government institutions. It therefore cited the need for heightened vigilance during VIP movement, diplomatic visits and other major events.

The police also referred to a proposed CJP demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Permission had not been granted for the gathering at Jantar Mantar, but police said preventive arrangements were required because demonstrators were expected to assemble despite the lack of approval.

The affidavit comes against the backdrop of heavy commotion and protests in Delhi. Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, political leaders, lawyers and demonstrators were among those taken into custody during the operation, according to the police account.

Delhi Police said more than 7000 people were detained across the capital during the wider operation. The supplied account does not state how many of those detained were connected directly to the proposed CJP demonstration.

Metro restrictions and restoration

The police response also covers restrictions affecting Delhi Metro services. Following Supreme Court directions, Delhi Police asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to restore normal services from night 10:00 on 10 October.

Earlier, police had requested that the gates of 45 metro stations remain closed and train movement be reduced. Those measures were to operate from night 9:00 on 9 October until evening 6:00 on 10 October, amid concerns that crowds could move towards sensitive areas and affect public order.

The account states that the service restrictions were implemented before normal operations were ordered to resume. It does not provide details about passenger numbers, disruptions at individual stations or the duration of any continuing impact.

Related affidavit on internet suspension

The same account also refers to a separate affidavit filed by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan in response to a contempt notice before the Supreme Court.

Mohan defended the suspension of cellular internet services within a 4-km radius of Raisina Hills. The suspension covered the period from night 10:00 on 9 October to night 10:00 on 10 October.

The police affidavit and the Home Secretary's response address separate measures taken during the unrest. The police filing focuses on protest restrictions, security arrangements and movement controls, while the other affidavit concerns the temporary internet suspension.

Conclusion

Delhi Police has defended its protest and movement restrictions before the Supreme Court by citing public-order requirements, sensitive locations, VIP movement, diplomatic visits and the anticipated CJP gathering. The court proceedings will determine how the explanations and measures are assessed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why did Delhi Police restrict the proposed CJP protest?

Delhi Police said the restrictions were needed because demonstrators were expected to gather at Jantar Mantar without permission, creating security and public-order concerns.

Q. Who was the proposed protest directed against?

The proposed CJP demonstration was directed against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Q. How many people did police say were detained?

Delhi Police said more than 7000 people were detained across the capital during the operation.

Q. When were normal metro services scheduled to resume?

Delhi Police asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to restore normal services from night 10:00 on 10 October.

Q. What internet restriction was defended separately?

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan defended a cellular internet suspension within a 4-km radius of Raisina Hills from night 10:00 on 9 October to night 10:00 on 10 October.