Supreme Court Rebukes Delhi Police Over Crackdown on Protesters in Capital

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has sharply criticised the Delhi Police over the crackdown in the national capital to protect Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who is accused of undermining voting rights. The court made the remarks while hearing a petition seeking contempt proceedings against Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, City Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and Metro Rail Chairperson D Tara for violating an earlier order by the apex court.

The petition was filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi.

A bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard the plea. The Supreme Court directed the Union Cabinet Secretary, Delhi Police Commissioner and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chairman to respond on whether the order prohibiting restrictions had been complied with. They were asked to submit their replies by Tuesday.

The Supreme Court had directed that there should be no internet shutdown and that metro services should operate normally.

The authorities imposed a complete shutdown in the national capital in violation of the top Court's order that metro, rail and road transport in Delhi could not be completely closed. Police had completely shut down 45 metro stations and roads. Roads were also blocked using barricades.