SC Hears Pleas on Delhi Protests, Detentions, Curbs and Rahul Gandhi Conduct
The Supreme Court of India has commenced hearing a batch of 46 petitions concerning detentions, police action, and curbs on metro and road transport in the national capital following recent protests. The Solicitor General defended the government's decisions, stating that affidavits have been submitted showing all actions taken were justified to ensure law and order. Affidavits filed by the Union Home Secretary, Delhi Police Commissioner, and chairpersons of Railways and DMRC addressed contempt notices, clarifying their positions regarding the curbs and past protest violations at Jantar Mantar. During the proceedings, the bench observed that the explanation provided rendered the submitted apology a qualified one rather than an unqualified apology. The court also sought an explanation regarding opposition conduct and demonstrations near the apex court premises. The bench indicated that petitions concerning detentions and transport shutdowns are being segregated from separate petitions relating to the Election Commission and SIR matters.
Supreme Court Pulls Up Rahul Gandhi Over October 12 Protest March And Commotion
The Supreme Court of India has made significant observations regarding Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc's protest march held on October 12. The bench questioned the conduct and the commotion caused when protesters barged towards the court premises, noting that crowds entered the complex despite the Chief Justice of India having declined a meeting beforehand. An FIR was registered by the Delhi Police at the Tilak Marg police station in connection with the incident, and the court indicated that the actions surrounding the protest will need explanation. Simultaneously, the court addressed multiple petitions, deciding to segregate the electoral roll Special Intensive Revision matters from the pleas concerning the protests. With the Solicitor General identifying specific related items, the bench issued notice on the electoral roll petitions, confirming they will be taken up first, while deferring immediate hearings on the protest challenges.
Supreme Court Hearing on SIR Exercise, Election Commission Petitions and Protest Site
Multiple petitions concerning the SIR exercise and the Election Commission of India have been listed before the Supreme Court. Political parties are seeking transparency, demanding the official release of minutes of meetings detailing objections raised by election commissioners during discussions on the exercise. Petitions also seek the removal of the chief election commissioner and an audit of digital portals supervised by a retired top court judge. In addition, matters regarding the use of force, the detention of journalists by Delhi Police, and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site have been raised before the court ahead of the hearing.
Actor Imran Khan Asked To Leave India By 28 October Over Protest Row
Actor Imran Khan has been issued a notice directing him to leave India by 28 October following his participation in protests in Mumbai against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the special summary revision exercise. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya lodged a complaint against the actor, alleging foreign funding and conspiracy to create unrest. While Imran Khan holds an Overseas Citizen of India card and is an American citizen by birth, authorities noted that foreign nationals are barred from participating in demonstrations, particularly an unlawful assembly held without police permission. Khan had previously defended his presence at the protest site on 10 October, stating that people need to participate without fear. The notice was issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office under relevant immigration provisions, leaving Khan the option to pursue legal remedies before the deadline.