Delhi Police tell Supreme Court timely measures averted major public order crisis during CJP protest

Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has told the Supreme Court that timely, proportionate and lawful measures taken by the police helped avert a major public order situation during the October 10 protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the national capital.

In an affidavit filed in the apex court, Kumar tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology in a contempt case over alleged violation of the court's direction to ensure no “complete prohibition” on Metro and train services in Delhi during the protest.

The commissioner said the preventive measures taken on October 10 were based on intelligence inputs and an assessment of the prevailing and ever-changing ground situation. He also referred to steps taken by the police administration, including the regulation of Metro rail services in Delhi.

“These measures were directed towards maintaining peace and tranquillity and preventing any disturbance of public order in the national capital,” he said.

Kumar said the police's actions should be viewed in the context of Delhi being the country's capital, which carries its own sensitivities.

“No police administration can permit any breach of public order in the national capital, particularly when a call is given by an organisation with a recent history of mob violence, destruction of public and private property, and incidents resulting in injuries to several individuals and the subsequent events of October 6, 7 and 8,” the affidavit said.

“Notwithstanding the bona fide efforts of the police administration, an incorrect narrative is being sought to be propagated regarding the actions taken by it,” it said.

The affidavit was filed in a contempt case concerning allegations that the authorities violated the Supreme Court's direction to ensure there was no “complete prohibition” on Metro and train services in Delhi in view of the October 10 protest.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is scheduled to hear the matter on Thursday.

On October 11, the apex court said the petitioners had made out a “prima facie” case over alleged violations of its direction on Metro and train services during the protest. The bench issued notices to Kumar, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Chairperson D Thara.

The CJP had called the October 10 protest to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities.