New Delhi. The Central Government has apologized unconditionally to the Supreme Court for shutting down internet services in the capital Delhi on October 10. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan clarified in his affidavit filed in the apex court that this step had to be taken with the aim of preventing the deterioration of law and order and to stop the spread of any kind of rumours. Along with this, while answering the questions raised on metro services, DMRC clarified that the metro service was not completely stopped, but in view of security, the movement of passengers was stopped only at 45 stations.
Supreme Court’s strict remarks and hearing
On October 11, the Supreme Court had expressed strong displeasure over the strict barricading, halting of internet services and closure of metro stations during the protest called by the Cockroach Janata Party on October 10 demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The apex court had issued a notice to the government and the administration and sought their reply. This case is being heard by the bench of Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana. On behalf of the petitioners, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, Gopal Shankaranarayanan, Maneka Guruswamy and other lawyers presented their side, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta presented the side of the Central Government and Delhi Police.
Delhi Police’s stand and allegations of violence
In the case, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar told the court that the restrictions and the custody of the protesters were extremely necessary to maintain law and order. Police have made serious allegations against CJP of inciting violence, damaging public property and injuring civilians. Apart from this, Delhi Police in its affidavit has also termed the anti-NEET-UG paper leak march organized on July 20 in front of CJP as an illegal and unlawful gathering.
Complete sequence of October 10 protest
CJP had called for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which was stopped due to lack of police permission. During this time, top party leaders Abhijeet Deepke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained, who were released on the orders of the Magistrate Court after 23 hours of custody. Around 7,000 people, including Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee, were detained during the protest. At the same time, incidents of stone pelting were also reported at two places, in which 7 policemen were injured.
