Supreme Court Directs Delhi Authorities to Step Up Patrolling, Verify Drivers

In the suo motu case concerning recent rape incidents in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the Delhi Police, the local administration and the Transport Department to take immediate preventive measures. The Apex Court directions cover enhanced beat patrolling, strict verification of public transport drivers and action against unauthorised liquor shops. A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran heard the matter. The matter is next listed to be heard on November 16, 2026.

Background

The Supreme Court took cognisance following reports of sexual offences against minor girls and women in Delhi-NCR. These included the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park, the alleged gang rape and murder of a teenage girl in Swaroop Nagar, and the alleged sexual assault of a minor girl in a moving sleeper bus. The bus reportedly travelled over 47 km from Greater Noida to Delhi without being intercepted. Senior Advocate Liz Mathew has been appointed amicus curiae.

The Bench observed that the question was not merely whether appropriate directions exist, but whether they translate into sustained, visible and verifiable action on the ground.

Supreme Court Directions for Immediate Implementation

Beat Patrolling

Enhanced beat patrolling across Delhi, particularly around educational institutions and zones flagged under the vulnerability mapping directed on September 28, 2026.
Joint patrolling in vulnerable areas to be strengthened, with senior officers holding regular meetings with beat patrol officers.
Protocols on beat patrolling, including the deployment and halting of PCR vans, to be reviewed.
Beat officers to promptly disperse loitering or crowding around liquor shops.

Verification of Drivers and Vehicles

Strict verification of drivers and assistants of government and private buses, and of cabs, taxis and rickshaws, whether linked to app-based aggregators such as Ola, Uber and Rapido or operating privately. "Only duly registered and verified persons shall be permitted to operate such vehicles," the Court directed.
All such vehicles must display the names and photographs of verified drivers and assistants, visible to passengers. The Road Transport Officer of the concerned jurisdiction is to ensure this.
A dedicated avenue for registering complaints is to be provided, especially for government buses, private buses, and cabs, taxis and rickshaws not registered with app-based services.
Uniforms or other visible identification are to be prescribed and, where already prescribed, worn every day.
Any substitution or sub-letting must be subject to prior registration and verification. Unauthorised sub-letting to an unverified driver is prohibited.
Vehicle checkpoints are to be used for verification, including through periodic and surprise checks.
Authorities are to examine the implementation of directions in S Rajaseekaran v Union of India & Ors on Vehicle Tracking System Devices, and evaluate how such monitoring is integrated with the police emergency response system.

SOS Mechanism

Observing that, unless people are informed of what assistance will follow, there may be hesitation in using an SOS button, the Court directed authorities to place on record:

the existing SOS response protocol,
the responsible personnel or unit,
the turnaround time, if any, and
the mechanism for monitoring compliance.

Unlawfully Parked Vehicles and Liquor Outlets

Trucks, heavy vehicles and other vehicles habitually parked unlawfully, where they obstruct visibility, create blind spots or harbour unauthorised personnel, are to be identified and removed.
Unauthorised liquor shops and establishments are to be identified and dealt with, with particular attention to eateries supplying liquor unlawfully.

Citizen Participation and Training

The police and local administration shall consider regular citizen-engagement meetings under a designated officer, so that grievances are received directly and follow-up is monitored. The Court said information must be "received sensitively, acted upon promptly, and where appropriate, kept confidential."
Particular mention was made of areas in and around educational institutions and paying-guest accommodations housing young women and girls.
Training in preventive policing is to form part of the induction of police personnel, reinforced through periodic training.

Reports and Affidavits Sought

Commissioner of Police and Chief Secretary: A joint report on whether dedicated control-room command centres exist in Delhi, their number and coverage, and protocols for real-time coordination and emergency deployment.
Commissioner of Police: Copies of weekly reports submitted over the preceding three months, with a consolidated analysis, to ascertain the extent to which Shishtachar Squads have been operational and the follow-up action taken.
Operation Nirbheek and Nazuk Scheme: A detailed status report on mechanisms for the safety and protection of complainants, safeguarding of their identity and confidentiality, and measures to prevent retaliation, intimidation, harassment or other backlash.
Police staffing: A report addressing the observations in the 2020 CAG report, which noted a shortage of around 39% in police staff across duties such as beat patrol and investigation. A report on the feasibility of the QR code model suggested by the amicus for monitoring patrols was also sought.
Registrar General, Delhi High Court: Under last month's order, an affidavit on Fast Track Special Courts and POCSO Special Courts, giving the number of functional courts, pending cases, annual disposal rates for the preceding three years and average time for final disposal. It is to be filed on or before November 6, 2026.

The Court directed that the information be compiled in affidavits to be filed by the Chief Secretary of the Government of NCT of Delhi and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi.

Also Read: Create Fear in Minds of Goons: Supreme Court Tells Delhi Police in Suo Motu Case for Women’s Safety