Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Thursday (July 23, 2026) indicated that the Supreme Court may consider taking up, on the judicial side, the issue of the closure of Delhi metro stations, particularly the Supreme Court Metro station, if the authorities fail to address the difficulties faced by lawyers and court staff in accessing the court premises.
The observation came after Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Vikas Singh flagged the inconvenience caused by the closure of the station. He suggested that, instead of shutting it completely, lawyers and Registry officials be allowed access after verification of their identity cards and security screening at the exit gates.
“In the metro, there is one advantage that when they come out of the train, there is an exit point. There, they can be screened. People with proximity cards and Registry staff can be permitted to come out, and the rest can be told to take the other train and go,” Mr. Singh said.
The Chief Justice said that he would look into the issue if the station did not become operational by the afternoon. He also informed the Bar that an administrative circular had been issued directing that no adverse orders be passed solely on account of the non-appearance of counsel, in view of the commuting difficulties caused by the closure of metro stations.
“We have instructed the authorities, and solutions are being explored. If no solution comes up by lunchtime, we will intervene otherwise,” the CJI said.
Mr. Singh then urged the Bench to take up the issue on the judicial side if the administrative measures fail to resolve the problem. The Chief Justice said the court would examine the matter if the impasse persisted beyond lunchtime.
“Yes, by lunch if something does not happen... we will look into this”, the CJI said.
Earlier in the day, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced the closure of 16 Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Delhi Gate, Central Secretariat and the Supreme Court station. It, however, said interchange facilities would continue to be available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.
The closures came amid heightened security arrangements across the national capital following protests by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court declined to initiate suo motu proceedings to take cognisance of alleged police excesses during the July 20 crackdown on student protesters in the national capital. When a lawyer submitted that there was videographic evidence of police brutality against the protesters, the Chief Justice orally declined to examine the videos, saying that the court’s time should not be “wasted”.
Published - July 23, 2026 11:18 am IST