NEW DELHI, Oct 13: The Supreme Court on Tuesday assured petitioners seeking judicial intervention in matters related to protests in Delhi that their pleas would be listed for hearing, potentially on Wednesday or Thursday.
Several applications were mentioned before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, with petitioners seeking an early hearing.
Responding to the submissions, the Chief Justice assured senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan that the matters would be listed, while asking the petitioners to ensure that all procedural defects in their filings were corrected.
The bench indicated that the cases could come up for consideration within the next two days, offering a possible timeline for proceedings on the issues arising from the demonstrations in the national capital.
During the proceedings, Sankaranarayanan drew the court’s attention to a contempt petition filed by a journalist. The plea alleges non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s October 11 directions concerning the handling of protests and the functioning of public services in Delhi.
In its earlier order, the apex court had emphasised that individuals participating in peaceful gatherings should not face unlawful detention. It had also directed the Centre to ensure the normal functioning of Delhi Metro services and prevent disruptions to internet connectivity, subject to applicable law-and-order requirements.
The directions came amid demonstrations in Delhi over demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters have raised allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The SIR exercise has become a subject of political and public debate, with concerns being raised over the revision process and its implications for voters.
The petitions mentioned before the Supreme Court seek consideration of issues arising from the protests and the implementation of the court’s previous directions. The proposed hearings are expected to provide an opportunity for the bench to examine the concerns raised by the petitioners.
The court’s assurance that the matters would be listed does not amount to a ruling on the allegations contained in the petitions. Their merits will be considered through judicial proceedings in accordance with the applicable law.
The Supreme Court’s October 11 directions had sought to balance the right to peaceful assembly with the need to maintain public order and ensure that essential services remained operational.
Further proceedings will depend on the listing of the petitions and the submissions made before the bench.