Delhi Police has presented its reasons to the Supreme Court for the measures taken before and during protests held in Delhi. The court is hearing a contempt petition alleging that earlier Supreme Court directions were not followed.

The protests were called against the SIR on 10 October. Before the demonstrations, mobile internet was suspended, a large number of trains were cancelled and entry and exit routes at several Delhi Metro stations were closed.

Many protesters, political leaders, lawyers and journalists were detained from different locations. Petitioners have challenged these actions, alleging illegal detention, police excesses and restrictions on public transport despite court directions.

The police has disputed the allegations and placed several explanations before the court. Its submissions refer to demonstrations organised by CJP on 20 July and those held between 6 and 8 October.

Police account of the July protest

Delhi Police claims that people with records involving rioting, rape, murder and narcotics-related cases joined the CJP demonstration on 20 July.

According to the police, a crowd of around 30 thousand people attacked police personnel. The force says officers were stripped of their helmets and protective equipment and dragged across a road covered with stones.

Police described the incident as crowd violence and an action resembling lynching. It also claimed that more than 240 police personnel were injured during the episode.

These are the police's claims presented during the court proceedings. The petitioners have separately alleged illegal detention and police overreach.

Claims about the October demonstrations

Delhi Police also alleged that some people attending demonstrations between 6 and 8 October incited the crowd while presenting themselves as freelance journalists.

The police claimed that these people pushed and abused officers. It said more than a dozen police personnel, including women officers, were injured in these incidents.

The police's submissions also addressed how detained political leaders and other protesters were treated.

What police said about detention

Delhi Police said leaders removed from protest sites were not kept in lock-ups. Instead, it claimed they were seated in the private rooms of station house officers.

The police said the leaders were given tea, coffee, food and other refreshments, adding that their status and dignity were fully maintained.

For ordinary protesters, the police claimed that people accused of violating prohibitory orders were not held in jail. According to its submission, they were kept in temporary detention centres for only two to 6 hours.

The police further said the detainees were provided hot, fresh and good food before being released.

Why mobile internet was suspended

The central home secretary confirmed that the government had approved a mobile internet shutdown for 24 hours within a four-kilometre area around Raisina Hill.

The explanation was given alongside reasons from the central home secretary, the Railways and Delhi Police for suspending internet services, cancelling trains and closing Metro stations.

The court challenge therefore covers both the treatment of people detained during the protests and the wider restrictions affecting movement and communication in Delhi.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court is considering the challenge to the detentions, alleged police excesses and restrictions imposed around the protests, while Delhi Police has defended its actions through claims about violence, detainee treatment and security measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What protests are involved in the court case?

The proceedings concern a CJP demonstration on 20 July and protests held between 6 and 8 October. A protest against the SIR was also called in Delhi on 10 October.

Q. What have petitioners alleged?

They have alleged illegal detention, police excesses and restrictions on public transport despite Supreme Court directions.

Q. How many police personnel did Delhi Police say were injured on 20 July?

Delhi Police claimed that more than 240 police personnel were injured.

Q. How long were ordinary protesters allegedly held?

The police said people accused of violating prohibitory orders were kept in temporary detention centres for two to 6 hours.

Q. Why was mobile internet suspended near Raisina Hill?

The central home secretary confirmed approval for a 24-hour mobile internet shutdown within a four-kilometre radius of Raisina Hill.