'Will ensure citizens get their rights': Congress after SC remarks on Delhi security curbs
Congress slams Delhi security curbs after Supreme Court objects to Metro and train shutdowns ahead of October 10 protests.
The Congress Party has vowed to fight for the fundamental rights of citizens following observations made by the Supreme Court regarding the heavy security restrictions imposed in Delhi ahead of the scheduled protests on October 10.
Emphasizing their commitment to the public, the party stated it would confront every challenge to ensure that the common man's rights are not trampled under the guise of security arrangements.
Supreme Court objects to massive transport disruptions
The Supreme Court of India intervened on Friday, expressing serious concerns over the sweeping restrictions that threaten to paralyze the national capital. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, noted that such measures could severely disrupt the lives of thousands of ordinary citizens who have no intention of participating in the demonstrations.
The Court specifically addressed the shutdown of essential services, stating that Metro and train services cannot be completely halted. The bench urged authorities to reconsider these restrictions and ensure they are applied in a proportionate manner.
"We have serious concerns about this. Our concern is not about the protesters, or about the authorities, but about hundreds and thousands of commuters in Delhi for their livelihood, children and senior citizens. We are talking about common citizenry. They should not be disturbed. Everybody doesn’t have a car or facilities," the CJI remarked.
The Court clarified that the current legal proceedings are primarily focused on the movement of the general public and public transport, rather than the broader right to protest itself.
Congress slams 'barricading' and Metro shutdowns
In response to the situation, the Congress Party highlighted the immense hardship being faced by residents. In a post on X, the party pointed out that 57 Metro stations are being closed, trains are being stopped, and roads are being blocked by barricades across the city.
The party confirmed that Congress Law Department Head and MP Dr. A.M. Singhvi, accompanied by Youth Congress representatives, reached the Supreme Court to address these grievances. "Today, regarding this very trouble of the citizens, Congress Law Department Head and MP @DrAMSinghvi ji reached the Supreme Court," the party stated.
Allegations of house arrests and democratic suppression
The political tension escalated further with allegations from Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda, who claimed that several party leaders and MPs have been placed under house arrest. Hooda accused the BJP-led government of using police force to suppress the movement demanding free and fair elections.
Hooda stated that he, along with fellow MPs Jayprakash, Varun Mulana, Satpal Brahmachari, Karmbir Bauddh, and hundreds of workers, were confined to their residences due to police barricading. He alleged that these measures are a direct attempt to stifle the ongoing struggle against the Election Commission.
Adding to the criticism, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari launched a scathing attack on the current administration, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of undermining democratic institutions. Tiwari alleged that the government is attempting to control the Election Commission and destroy the Constitution.
"Dictators always do this, and dictators think that what they have done is the end... Their job is to stop us; our job is to move forward," Tiwari said, asserting that the Opposition will continue its protests despite the heavy security presence in the capital.