New Delhi: More than 270 former judges and retired civil and police officials have sharply criticised a shirtless protest staged by members of the Indian Youth Congress during the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. In a joint statement titled “A National Disgrace at Bharat Mandapam,” the signatories described the episode as a serious affront to national dignity at a time when India was hosting global technology leaders and international delegates.
Among those who endorsed the statement were former Delhi High Court judge S N Dhingra and former Tripura Director General of Police B L Vohra. The group alleged that the protest was not an impulsive act of dissent but a planned disruption. They noted that participants had entered the venue using valid QR coded passes before raising slogans and creating a scene.
According to the statement, the timing and location of the demonstration amplified its impact, potentially affecting India’s global standing. The summit was intended to showcase the country’s advancements in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The former officials argued that staging such a protest at an international platform risked portraying India as disorderly rather than forward looking.
They further warned that incidents of this nature could dent investor confidence and diplomatic goodwill, particularly when the event was meant to highlight the nation’s innovation ecosystem and technological capabilities. The statement emphasised that while democratic protest remains a constitutional right, it must not cross into actions that undermine the country’s reputation.
Describing the episode as a misguided display of politics, the signatories asserted that responsible opposition should be expressed through reasoned debate and institutional forums. They maintained that such acts do not harm a government alone but reflect on the nation as a whole.
