Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar apologised to the Supreme Court while defending transport curbs during the October 10 protest. The contempt case will test whether public-order measures breached the court's direction against completely suspending services.
Stock photo used for illustration
Newdelhi,Oct 15, 2026 12:36 IST
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has told the Supreme Court that timely, proportionate and lawful police measures helped avert a major public order situation during protests in the national capital on October 10.
Kumar tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology in a contempt case concerning the alleged violation of the court’s direction against a complete suspension of Metro and train services during the protest. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is scheduled to hear the matter on Thursday.
In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, Kumar said the preventive measures taken after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called the protest were based on intelligence inputs and an assessment of the prevailing and rapidly changing situation on the ground.
He referred to steps taken by the police administration, including the regulation of Delhi Metro services. “These measures were directed towards maintaining peace and tranquillity and preventing any disturbance of public order in the national capital,” he said.
The commissioner said the police’s efforts and actions should be viewed in the context of Delhi being the national capital, with its particular 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 added.
The affidavit was filed in the contempt case over the alleged violation of the Supreme Court’s direction to ensure there was no “complete prohibition” on Metro and train services in Delhi because of the October 10 protest.
On October 11, the Supreme Court said the petitioners alleging violations of its direction had made out a “prima facie” case. The bench issued notices to Kumar, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation 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. Kumar has maintained that the police measures, including the regulation of Metro services, were lawful and necessary to maintain public order.
- Ends