16 October,2026 02:40 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The Centre urged the Supreme Court to discharge the contempt notice issued to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan in connection with the restrictions imposed during the protest. FILE PIC
The Union Home Ministry has clarified that the âunconditional apology' mentioned in the Supreme Court affidavit filed by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan over the October 10 protest curbs in Delhi is part of the standard procedure followed in contempt cases, dismissing media reports suggesting that he had tendered an apology to the court.
In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry said some media organisations were reporting that the Home Secretary had tendered an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court in response to a contempt notice concerning restrictions imposed in Delhi during the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest on October 10.
Clarifying that such reports were misleading, the Ministry said, "Whenever a contempt notice is issued by the Supreme Court, it is required that the party responding to the notice must begin their affidavit with an unconditional apology. Only thereafter are all other facts and arguments presented."
The Ministry further stated, "This is mandatorily followed in every contempt petition. Following this practice, the first paragraph of the affidavits filed by the Home Secretary, Commissioner of Police, and other concerned officials complied with this requirement. Thereafter, detailed particulars in the affidavit have been furnished."
In its counter-affidavit before the Supreme Court, the Centre defended its decision to suspend mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi during the October 10 protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, organised by the CJP. It also denied wilfully disobeying the court's directions.
The Ministry maintained that the affidavit established that all actions taken by the government and the police were fully compliant with the law, adding that no case of contempt was made out against them.
In its affidavit, filed on Wednesday, the Centre maintained that the temporary suspension of internet services was necessary to prevent a disturbance of public order and constituted a proportionate response to the prevailing circumstances.
The Centre also urged the Supreme Court to discharge the contempt notice issued to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan in connection with the restrictions imposed during the protest.
Additionally, it sought a modification of the Supreme Court's order to allow the suspension of internet services in situations where such a measure becomes necessary, provided the decision is taken in strict compliance with the law and applicable statutory safeguards.
(With IANS inputs)
