NEW DELHI (March 2, 2026) — A Delhi court has granted bail to nine members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) who were arrested following a “shirtless” protest at the India AI Impact Summit last month. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Ravi of the Patiala House Court characterized the demonstration as a “symbolic political critique,” observing that incarceration in this context could amount to pre-emptive punishment before a trial.
Judicial Observations on Political Dissent
In a detailed order passed on Sunday, the court underscored the distinction between criminal intent and democratic expression. The magistrate noted that the protest was transient and did not lead to any lasting harm or public panic.
“The protest, at highest, constituted symbolic political critique during a public event: T-shirts with leadership imagery, non-inciteful slogans bereft of communal/regional taint, and transient assembly. No evidence discloses property defacement, or delegate panic; exit was orderly via escort.”
The court further remarked that pre-trial detention, when not strictly necessary for investigation, is a “profound aberration” of criminal jurisprudence, which prioritizes personal liberty.
Details of the Incident and Arrests
The incident occurred on February 20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam during the high-profile AI summit.
- The Protest: IYC workers entered the venue wearing jackets, which they later removed to reveal white T-shirts. These shirts featured images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, alongside slogans like “PM is compromised” and criticisms of the India-US trade deal.
- Police Allegations: The Delhi Police opposed the bail, arguing that the activists had disrupted an international event, raised “anti-national” slogans, and assaulted police personnel. They claimed the protest was a planned conspiracy to tarnish the country’s global image.
- The Accused: The nine individuals granted bail are Krishna Hari, Narshimha Yadav, Kundan Kumar Yadav, Ajay Kumar Singh, Jitendra Singh Yadav, Raja Gurjar, Ajay Kumar Vimal (alias Bantu), Saurabh Singh, and Arbaz Khan.
Broader Legal Context
This ruling follows the recent release of IYC National President Uday Bhanu Chib, who was previously described by police as the “mastermind” of the protest. In total, 14 people have been arrested in connection with the case. While nine were granted relief on Sunday, at least five others remain in custody as the investigation into the alleged “larger conspiracy” continues.
The court has imposed standard bail conditions, including the furnishing of surety bonds and a requirement that the accused cooperate with ongoing police inquiries.
Sources
- National Herald: “Delhi court grants bail to 9 IYC workers in AI Summit protest case” (2 March 2026)
- Live Law: “AI Summit Protest: Delhi Court Grants Bail To 9 IYC Workers; Says Protest Was ‘Political Critique’” (2 March 2026)
- The Hindu: “AI Summit Protest: Delhi court grants bail to IYC president Chib” (28 February 2026)
- Bar and Bench: “Youth Congress protest at AI Summit was political dissent: Delhi court grants bail to 9” (2 March 2026)
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Symbolic political critique: Delhi court grants bail to 9 IYC workers…” (2 March 2026)
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