Supreme Court Directs Removal of Unnecessary Barricades in Delhi, Calls for Normal Public Movement

New Delhi: Following the central forces' failure to comply with Supreme Court's previous order prohibiting a complete restriction on public movement in Delhi amid the ongoing crackdown, the court directed that barricades be retained only where absolutely necessary and that all others be removed immediately.

The observations came while the court was hearing a contempt petition over the violation of its order that public movement in the national capital could not be brought to a complete standstill. During a special sitting held on Sunday, the court said unnecessary barricades must be removed. The existing barricades have been erected in a manner that curtails the freedom of ordinary citizens to travel.

A bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, among others, heard the petition.

The court noted that restrictions under Section 163 had been imposed in the vicinity of the Supreme Court. It said there must be no obstruction to access to the Supreme Court or other courts and directed the authorities to remove restrictions immediately to ensure this.

The court also called for the free movement of people to be restored to normal. It expressed displeasure over the violation of its earlier order prohibiting a complete suspension of metro and train services in connection with Saturday's protests.