New Delhi, Oct 9 The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Centre and authorities to ensure that there is no complete prohibition of movement by Delhi Metro and trains to the capital due to a CJP protest on October 10, saying they cannot bring everything to a halt.
A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana asked the Centre to allow the services in a regulated manner to avoid any harassment to commuters.
The bench underlined that there is a difference between complete prohibition and allowing services in a regulated manner.
It noted the submission of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that he would impress upon the authorities to reconsider the prohibition and allow the movement of metro trains and other railway services in a suitably regulated manner so that no inconvenience is caused to the public at large, keeping in mind the principle of proportionality.
"In terms of that assurance, we make it clear that there shall be no complete prohibition on the movement of metro trains," he said.
The bench further said, "We direct that due publicity be given to the considered decision taken by the authorities regarding the movement of metro trains and other railway services in a suitably regulated manner, so that inconvenience to the public at large is minimised."
It said that similar advertisements should also be issued with respect to the movement of traffic in Delhi.
The bench said barricading of roads should also be revisited and alternate routes should be duly publicised.