Supreme Court May Intervene if Metro Station Closures Continue, Says CJI Surya Kant

When massive protests throw a city into gridlock, the ripple effects can reach even the most sacred halls of justice. That was the reality in New Delhi recently, when the sudden shutdown of 16 vital metro stations—including the one right outside the Supreme Court—left lawyers, litigants, and court staff stranded and struggling to find a way to work.

A Logistical Nightmare for the Legal Fraternity

The disruption prompted Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh to raise the urgent issue directly before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. Pointing out that sweeping transit closures were crippling access to the judicial system, Singh offered a practical workaround: why not allow restricted, secure exits specifically for legal professionals, registry employees, and individuals carrying valid proximity cards? Under this proposal, commuters could undergo security checks right at the platform exit, ensuring normal judicial operations could continue without compromising safety cordons.

The Judiciary Steps Up

Recognising the immense stress caused by the transit blockade, the Chief Justice responded with swift administrative relief. He informed the Bar that the court’s administration had already been instructed to open a dialogue with transit authorities to find an immediate solution. More importantly, the CJI issued a clear, reassuring directive across all benches: no adverse orders are to be passed in any case solely because a lawyer was unable to show up due to the city-wide commuting chaos.

While giving local authorities until lunchtime to voluntarily ease the restrictions, the chief justice made it clear that the judiciary is fully prepared to step in on the judicial side if common sense doesn't prevail. It was a balancing act between maintaining public security and ensuring that the wheels of justice don't grind to a complete halt every time the streets outside get turbulent.