, Oct. 11 -- India's Supreme Court has directed authorities to remove barricades unless they are "absolutely warranted" and withdraw restrictions on large gatherings around the court amid protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

A special bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the directions on Sunday while hearing a contempt petition challenging the closure of Delhi Metro stations in connection with the protests.

The bench also directed authorities to withdraw the restrictions imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which prohibits large gatherings.

"We have been informed that a notice under Section 163 has been imposed in and around the Supreme Court. We direct the authorit...