The headline “Supreme Court may step in if closure of metro stations persists, says CJI” refers to remarks made by the Chief Justice of India during a court hearing about the repeated closure of metro stations in parts of Delhi, particularly around protest sites and public gatherings.
The Chief Justice of India indicated that the Supreme Court could intervene if authorities continue to shut down metro stations without sufficient justification. The observation came while the Court was hearing a matter related to restrictions imposed during public demonstrations.
The Court expressed concern that prolonged closure of metro stations affects the daily lives of thousands of commuters who rely on public transport for work, education, and essential travel. While acknowledging that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the government and security agencies, the Chief Justice emphasized that restrictions should be reasonable, necessary, and proportionate.
The bench noted that public convenience and citizens’ freedom of movement should not be unnecessarily compromised. It suggested that if the issue continues and closures become a recurring practice without adequate reasons, the Supreme Court may examine whether such actions are legally justified.
The Court also highlighted the need to strike a balance between ensuring public safety and protecting the constitutional rights of citizens. Any decision to suspend metro services or close stations should be based on specific security assessments rather than being imposed as a routine measure.
