New Delhi: A Delhi court has granted bail to nine members of the Indian Youth Congress who were arrested following a protest at last month’s AI Impact Summit, holding that their actions amounted to political dissent rather than criminal conduct.
Judicial Magistrate First Class Ravi of the Patiala House Court ordered the release of the activists, observing that the demonstration did not constitute organised crime or repeated violent behaviour. In a detailed ruling, the court described the protest as a symbolic expression of political criticism during a public event.
According to the order, the participants wore T shirts bearing images and slogans critical of the leadership and raised chants that were not communal or inflammatory in nature. The court noted there was no evidence of damage to property, disruption causing panic among delegates, or disorderly conduct. It further recorded that the protesters exited the venue in an orderly manner under escort.
The judge emphasised that extended detention before trial, without compelling investigative reasons, would infringe upon the right to personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court observed that custody cannot be used as a form of punishment prior to conviction when no pressing need for continued detention exists.
The protest took place on February 20 inside the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam. During the event, some activists removed their outer garments to reveal T shirts carrying slogans critical of the Prime Minister and the India United States trade agreement. They also raised chants against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his policies.
Police in Delhi have arrested fourteen individuals so far in connection with the incident, alleging breach of security and the raising of anti national slogans. Prosecutors argued that the demonstration posed risks to national security and international relations.
Lawyers representing the activists maintained that the protest was peaceful and protected under the constitutional guarantees of free speech and assembly.
