CJI Assures Intervention if Metro Station Closure Issue Remains Unresolved

New Delhi, Jul 23: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Thursday said he would intervene if the issue of the closure of several Delhi Metro stations, including the Supreme Court Metro station, was not resolved by lunchtime, following concerns raised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). The matter was mentioned before the CJI by SCBA President Vikas Singh, who said the closure of metro stations due to the ongoing student protests had made it difficult for lawyers, litigants and court staff to reach the Supreme Court. Singh urged the court to facilitate restricted access for those with valid Supreme Court entry passes. He suggested that commuters could be screened at the exit of the Supreme Court Metro station, allowing only lawyers, Registry staff and authorised personnel with official identification to exit. The Chief Justice said the Supreme Court administration had already been directed to engage with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to explore the proposal. “I have informed them this morning. If the issue is resolved by lunchtime, that is fine. Otherwise, if my intervention is required, I will step in,” the CJI said. He also directed that no adverse orders should be passed solely because lawyers are unable to appear in court due to the prevailing situation. The development comes after the DMRC announced the closure of 16 Metro stations, including the Supreme Court Metro station, until further orders in view of the ongoing student protests in the national capital.