SC notice to government, Delhi Police and DMRC over protest curbs, detentions

The Supreme Court on Sunday sought responses from the central government, the Delhi Police and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) over contempt and habeas corpus petitions filed in relation to the mass detentions and public restrictions in Delhi in view of Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP's) call for 'Jantar Mantar 2.0' protest. .A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notices to relevant officials in the matter. "We direct the authorities concerned to submit a short affidavit showing cause why contempt proceedings should not be initiated," the court said.This came as the Supreme Court took up a batch of petitions concerning restrictions imposed in Delhi to prevent mobilisation of protesters at Jantar Mantar.The contempt plea, filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, has arrayed Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chairperson D Thara as respondents. The court is also hearing a habeas petition filed by senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy against the detention of political leaders.- Ends