UPDATED: Oct 15, 2026 13:40 IST
The Supreme Court heard petitions challenging the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, examining whether the Centre arrived at the decision with proper application of mind. The government defended the move by submitting that a panel had examined the issue, whilst petitioners argued that alternative sites such as Burari, Ramleela, and CBD grounds are distant, expensive, and have limited availability. The court issued notice to the Centre and the Delhi administration, asking why the stir site was shifted. Alongside this challenge, the bench addressed connected petitions regarding alleged illegal detentions, directing the preservation of CCTV footage and ordering the Home Ministry and Delhi Police to place Section 163 prohibitory orders on record. Notice was also issued over allegations of violence against women journalists and lawyers, with the bench agreeing to consider suggestions for an inquiry committee.
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Supreme Court Pulls Up Rahul Gandhi Over March, Demands Explanation for Conduct
The Supreme Court has pulled up Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his conduct during an October 12 march toward the court premises. The court expressed displeasure over crowd entry into the premises and directed Gandhi to explain his conduct and intentions while filing a petition. Meanwhile, the bench issued notice on petitions challenging the SIR process and the functioning of the Election Commission. Taking note of allegations of police force and protestor conduct, the top court also directed all law enforcement agencies and petitioners to preserve CCTV and digital footage gathered during the events.
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.