A Delhi court emphasized the importance of peaceful protests in democracy but cautioned against actions that disturb public order. Four Youth Congress members were sent to police custody for five days for a disruptive protest during the AI Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The accused allegedly wore T-shirts with provocative slogans, created disorder, and clashed with police officials, leading to injuries.
The court highlighted that the accused’s actions at the international event, attended by national and foreign delegates, were premeditated and disrupted the summit’s sanctity. It stated that while the right to protest is fundamental, it must be exercised within legal boundaries to maintain public order and decency. The court rejected the argument that the protest was protected under constitutional rights, citing the need to balance freedoms with reasonable restrictions.
Referring to a previous Supreme Court ruling on protests, the court stressed that demonstrations should not cause inconvenience or disrupt public ways indefinitely. It noted that the accused’s conduct went beyond legitimate dissent, posing a threat to public order. The court justified the denial of bail, considering the seriousness of the allegations, the risk of evidence tampering, and the ongoing investigative needs.
The court approved the police custody remand for the accused to facilitate further investigation into the protest incident. It highlighted the necessity to identify other suspects, uncover the conspiracy behind the protest, and analyze digital evidence. The court underscored the importance of maintaining the event’s integrity and the nation’s diplomatic image before foreign stakeholders.
