Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Reply on Delhi Metro Station Closures During CJP Protest

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought a response from the Centre on a petition challenging the closure of 17 Delhi Metro stations during protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Central Delhi over the NEET-UG 2026 question paper leaks. The agitation had ultimately led to the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued notice to the respondents — the Union and Delhi governments, the Delhi Police and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation — on the petition filed by Sparsh Kant Nayak, a resident of the national capital.

At the outset, the court observed that the scope for judicial review in the matter was limited, since maintaining law and order falls within the domain of the Executive. Justice Joyalya Bagchi, who was on the Bench, said the court would intervene only if the Executive's exercise of discretionary powers were found to be grossly disproportionate.

The Bench, however, agreed to hear the respondents on whether the exercise of powers remained within reasonable limits and in public interest. "Standard Operating Procedures in such cases are actually a mirage. When it comes to such questions, courts have deferred to the executive authority. It is only when it becomes disproportionate that courts step in. So we will have to examine the way in which the discretion is being exercised," Justice Bagchi said.

According to the petition, the closure of the metro stations on security grounds severely disrupted commuter traffic and affected the public's right to move freely in the national capital. The plea contended that no provision in the Metro Railways Act permitted the shutting down of stations, and questioned whether any statutory procedure existed for the purpose. It also noted that communication about the closure was made through social media.

During the hearing, the court remarked that traffic and commuter restrictions were usually imposed by the Commissioner of Police or the Superintendent of Police under the relevant laws.