The Supreme Court on Thursday began hearing petitions related to the October 10 protests in Delhi, which challenged restrictions on public transport, alleged unlawful detentions and police action against lawyers, journalists and protesters.
During the proceedings, Chief Justice of India (CJI) asserted that nobody could browbeat the judiciary after lawyers referred to a march to the Supreme Court over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
“We are not sitting in ivory towers,” the CJI said after lawyers raised concerns about attempts to pressure the judiciary through the march.
The remarks came amid references to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s march and allegations of irregularities in the SIR exercise, which have triggered debate over the role and independence of the judiciary.
Separately, the Solicitor General told the apex court that the actions in question amounted to a violation of the Supreme Court’s October 9 directions. He argued that tendering an unconditional apology did not prevent the parties concerned from defending their actions.
The hearing comes against the backdrop of protests held in Delhi on October 10, during which demonstrators raised concerns over restrictions affecting public transport, alleged unlawful detentions and police action against members of the legal and media communities.
The proceedings are expected to examine the allegations concerning the protests and the compliance with the court’s earlier directions.
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