The Supreme Court on Tuesday adjourned to Thursday the hearing on petitions concerning the October 10 protests in Delhi, including pleas alleging illegal detention and assault of protesters and journalists, as well as contempt petitions over the shutdown of metro stations and disruptions in train services.
The hearing was deferred due to the indisposition of Justice V Mohana, who was part of the bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
At the outset, the CJI informed the lawyers that Justice Mohana was unwell but had still joined the proceedings. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the bench to adjourn the hearing, saying the judge's health should not be ignored. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan and other lawyers also agreed to the deferment.
The bench accordingly scheduled the matters for Thursday.
CENTRE SEEKS MORE TIME TO FILE AFFIDAVIT
During the proceedings, Mehta told the bench that the Centre's deadline to respond to a contempt plea alleging non-compliance with the Supreme Court's directions on metro and train services ahead of the October 10 protests expired on Tuesday.
“The affidavit is ready. I would like to add something to make it more comprehensive,” the Solicitor General told the court.
The bench extended the time granted to the Centre to file its affidavit and directed that a copy be supplied to the lawyers representing the petitioners.
The contempt petitions concern allegations that the authorities disobeyed the Supreme Court's directions against completely halting metro and train services ahead of the protests.
PLEAS RELATE TO OCTOBER 10 PROTESTS
The petitions arise from the protests held in Delhi on October 10 against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during which restrictions were imposed on public transport and movement in parts of the national capital.
The matters before the court include pleas concerning the alleged detention of protesters and journalists, alleged assaults during the demonstrations, and the shutdown of metro stations and disruption of railway services.
The Supreme Court was also scheduled to hear petitions relating to protests at Jantar Mantar in July.
Separately, the court was expected to take up a challenge to amendments to the Election Commission law that provide immunity from prosecution to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
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With inputs from PTI