SC rules against complete Delhi Metro prohibition to balance safety with commuter rights
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Judiciary & landmark judgments· Prelims + Mains·
Judicial balancing of public order vs. fundamental rights: a key GS2 case study on proportionality.
Why in news
The Supreme Court ruled against a complete prohibition of the Delhi Metro during protests, ordering authorities to balance public safety with the rights of commuters.
Background
The Supreme Court heard arguments from the Centre and CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby regarding security for a Cockroach Janta Party protest. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta alleged that 200 personnel were injured in July and a policewoman was nearly molested during a Congress agitation.
Facts for Prelims
- Fact200 personnel were allegedly injured during a protest in July.
Prelims practice question
How many personnel were allegedly injured during a protest in July as cited in the court proceedings?
- (a)150
- (b)200
- (c)300
- (d)500
Show answer
Answer: (b) 200 — The Solicitor General alleged that 200 personnel were injured during a protest in July.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the judicial balancing act between the state's power to maintain public order and the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of movement and assembly.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Constitutional conflict: Balancing Article 19(1)(b) right to assemble with the state's duty to ensure public safety.
- Administrative discretion: Determining the threshold for 'complete prohibition' versus 'regulated access' in public transport.
- Security infrastructure: Challenges in managing large-scale agitations in high-density transit hubs.
Keywords: Proportionality · Public Order · Fundamental Rights · Judicial Review · Commuter Rights
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.