Supreme Court Warns of Intervention if Metro Station Near Court is Not Reopened by Afternoon

In a crucial statement made on Thursday, Chief Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court indicated that the apex judiciary may step in if the metro station closest to the court complex does not resume operations by the afternoon. This announcement came after Vikas Singh, the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, brought to light the significant challenges faced by lawyers and court personnel due to the station’s closure.

The Supreme Court metro station has been non-operational for two consecutive days, with the operator citing ‘security reasons’ for the shutdown. The station had briefly reopened on Wednesday evening but was closed again, causing inconvenience to those reliant on its services. The closure is particularly notable amid ongoing protests in the national capital, where youth are rallying for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging mismanagement in competitive examinations.

In total, 16 metro stations were shut down, predominantly affecting areas in central Delhi, a location that is not only pivotal for commuters but also crucial given its proximity to significant government offices, including Parliament. Apart from the Supreme Court station, other notable closures include Lok Kalyan Marg near the Prime Minister’s residence, Rajiv Chowk at Connaught Place, and Patel Chowk and Janpath, which are in the vicinity of the protest site. Additional affected stations include Central Secretariat, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, ITO, and others, marking a significant disruption in public transport.

The protests, which have drawn considerable attention, reflect rising tensions among students regarding examination policies and the perceived failures of the current administration in addressing their concerns. This backdrop adds urgency to the reopening of the metro stations, as many commuters are left searching for alternative routes to navigate through the bustling city.

As the court awaits a resolution from the metro authorities, it remains to be seen how quickly these issues can be addressed. The Chief Justice’s remarks underline the judiciary’s role in ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services, even amidst the backdrop of civic unrest and public demonstrations.

Source: scroll.in