Response to allegations of illegal detention, clampdown ready, but needs fine-tuning: Government

The Union government informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) that its response to petitions alleging illegal detentions, shutdown of public and rail transport, including Metro service, in Delhi on October 10 is “ready” but needs more fine-tuning.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant extended the time for the government to file the reply affidavit by Thursday (October 15).

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Multiple petitions, including ones seeking contempt proceedings, were adjourned to October 15, 2026 as one of the judges on the Bench was unwell. The Bench rose for the day shortly thereafter.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for the Centre, said he had gone through the prepared affidavit. It was final, but he wanted to make it “more comprehensive”.

On the petitioners’ request, the Court asked him to share the affidavit, if possible, by October 14, 2026, a day before the hearing so that the lawyers on the petitioners were suitably well-versed with the contents of the affidavit and the hearing would be a meaningful one on Thursday.

The Court also agreed to urgently hear fresh petitions seeking independent probe and contempt proceedings against authorities on the continued police action against journalists, especially women media professionals, covering the anti-CEC/SIR protests despite an apex court order on October 11.

Chief Justice Kant asked the petitioners to cure defects, following which the pleas would be also put up for comprehensive hearing on Thursday (October 15, 2026).