Supreme Court warns Delhi Metro shutdown hurts commuters without cars

Supreme Court raised concerns on Monday over the decision to shut 57 Delhi Metro stations ahead of a planned Chief Justice of India protest, saying “Not everyone has a car.” The court's remark points to the heavy reliance of commuters on public transport, especially those who cannot afford private vehicles. The closures are expected to affect daily commuters across the capital, forcing many to seek alternative, often costlier, travel options. Officials cited security and crowd‑management reasons for the shutdown, but the judiciary highlighted the disproportionate impact on low‑income passengers. The decision comes as the CJP plans a stir to press for judicial reforms, prompting authorities to pre‑empt potential disruptions.

Context

The Delhi Metro serves millions daily and is a lifeline for residents without private vehicles. Shutting stations disrupts travel for workers, students and low‑income households. Such closures are rare and usually tied to security concerns or major public events.