The Delhi Police has informed the Supreme Court that its timely and lawful interventions successfully prevented significant public order disruptions during recent protests in the national capital. The police commissioner detailed the measures taken, emphasizing their proportionality and adherence to legal frameworks.
Preventive Measures and Intelligence
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar stated in an affidavit to the Supreme Court that preventive actions initiated on October 10, following a protest call by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), were guided by intelligence inputs and a continuous assessment of the evolving ground situation. These actions included the regulation of Metro rail services across Delhi.
The commissioner asserted that these measures were specifically designed to uphold peace and tranquillity and to prevent any disturbance to public order within the capital. He highlighted the unique sensitivities associated with being the nation’s capital, underscoring that no police administration can permit a breach of public order in such a crucial location.
Context of Protests and Previous Incidents
The affidavit referenced a history of aggressive actions by the CJP, including mob violence, destruction of public and private property, and incidents that resulted in injuries. These past events, along with subsequent occurrences on October 6, 7, and 8, formed a critical backdrop for the police’s decision-making process regarding the October 10 protest call.
Kumar’s affidavit further stated that despite the police administration’s genuine efforts, an inaccurate narrative was being promoted regarding the actions taken. This submission was made in the context of a contempt case filed concerning alleged violations of a Supreme Court directive. The directive mandated that Metro and train services in Delhi should not face a complete prohibition during the protest.
Supreme Court Proceedings and Notices
Information was available with The Chenab Times that a Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is slated to hear the contempt case on Thursday. Previously, on October 11, the Supreme Court had acknowledged that the petitioners had presented a prima facie case concerning the alleged violations of its directions on public transport during protests.
At that time, the Bench had issued notices to Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Chairperson D Thara. The CJP’s protest call on October 10 was reportedly to demand the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged electoral irregularities.
The Chenab Times News Desk