New Delhi, October 15: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology to the Supreme Court in a contempt case concerning alleged violations of its directions on maintaining Metro and train services in Delhi during a protest held on October 10.
In an affidavit submitted to the apex court, Mohan explained that cellular internet services had been suspended in a limited area around Raisina Hill following a request from Delhi Police. He maintained that the decision was taken in accordance with the law and was proportionate to the prevailing situation.
According to the affidavit, the Home Ministry received a request to suspend cellular internet services for 24 hours, until 10 pm on October 10. The proposal was examined before approval, keeping in view the scale of the protest and the need to prevent any disruption of public order in the national capital.
Mohan stated that the restrictions remained in force from 10 pm on October 9 until 10 pm on October 10 within a four-kilometre radius of Raisina Hill.
He clarified that the order applied only to cellular internet services and did not cover non-cellular internet connections or other telecommunications services, including Wi-Fi and broadband.
The Home Secretary submitted that temporary restrictions on internet services within a clearly defined geographical area could be considered a legitimate measure to maintain public order, provided the action complied with the applicable legal provisions and safeguards.
He also requested the Supreme Court to modify its October 11 order to the extent necessary to allow internet services to be suspended in situations where such action was considered necessary. The request, he said, should remain subject to statutory requirements and safeguards.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is scheduled to hear the matter on Thursday.
The contempt proceedings relate to allegations that authorities failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s direction against imposing a complete prohibition on Metro and train services in Delhi in connection with the October 10 demonstration called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
On October 11, the apex court observed that the petitioners had established a prima facie case regarding the alleged violation of its directions. The bench subsequently issued notices to Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Chairperson D Thara, seeking their responses.
The court’s proceedings concern the implementation of its directions on public transport during protests and the responsibilities of authorities in managing demonstrations without imposing a complete shutdown of Metro and train services.
The CJP had called for the October 10 protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of electoral irregularities.
The Home Secretary’s affidavit places the internet suspension at the centre of the legal proceedings, with the government seeking clarification on the circumstances in which such restrictions may be imposed. The Supreme Court’s consideration of the matter will address the submissions made by the parties and the scope of its earlier directions.