The Supreme Court has made significant comments on some of the precautionary measures taken by the Delhi Police ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s protest scheduled for Saturday (October 10, 2026). CJI Surya Kant said that the government should take steps to prevent certain things. However, this does not mean that a hammer should be used to kill a fly.
During the hearing in the Supreme Court ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s protest on Saturday, the CJI’s bench acknowledged the need for precautionary measures being taken by the government and police, but also said that strictness should be appropriate.
According to a report shared by Bar & Bench on X, during the hearing, CJI Surya Kant said, “A very important principle we follow for every citizen is the principle of proportionality.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed, “Absolutely.”
Tushar Mehta responded, “The court cited this as an example. It shouldn’t be reported as if the Chief Justice of India said the government was using a hammer to kill a fly.”
The CJI agreed with the government’s arguments, saying, “Exercise caution. Be extremely cautious. There’s no problem with that. You are responsible for maintaining law and order. But this responsibility isn’t just about protecting government property. It’s about protecting the people. That’s your sovereign duty. Our daughters, young children, senior citizens, the very elderly, and patients pass through these places. Their safety is also essential. There’s no problem in taking appropriate steps. But make sure everything doesn’t come to a standstill.”
In fact, the Supreme Court bench comprising CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana made these remarks while hearing a petition challenging the government’s actions ahead of the protests demanding the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Gyanesh Kumar. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal represented the petitioners in the Supreme Court.
Senior advocate CU Singh stated that there had never been a concept in our country to restrict citizens’ movement as a precautionary measure. The police are there to maintain law and order. He argued that a complete halt to trains was wrong. The CJI responded that the court also held the same view. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for maintaining law and order. They can regulate movement. However, we have expressed concern about the complete halt.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who initially raised the issue in the Supreme Court, claimed that “all trains have been cancelled. Metro stations have been closed. You can’t go anywhere.” Hotels are closed to people. Nizamuddin is closed. RWAs are being told people can’t come out. How can this be? What is happening in my country?’ Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan claimed that ‘the entire Delhi has been shut down.’ Senior lawyer Gopal Shankarnarayanan said that ’57 metro stations have been closed.’