In a significant legal development, the Patiala House Court in Delhi granted bail to Uday Bhanu Chib, the National President of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), on Saturday. The case pertains to a shirtless protest held at Bharat Mandapam during the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit. The Duty Magistrate provided relief to the youth leader after hearing arguments from both the defense and the prosecution regarding the necessity of further custodial interrogation.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
The Duty Magistrate at Patiala House Court granted bail to Uday Bhanu Chib on a personal bond of ₹50,000. While granting the bail, the court imposed specific conditions to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation, while chib has been directed to surrender his passport to the court to prevent any international travel without prior judicial permission. Also, the court ordered the IYC President to surrender his electronic gadgets, including mobile phones, to the investigating agency for forensic examination. The defense counsel argued that Chib had already cooperated with the initial investigation and that further detention was unwarranted.
Rejection of Delhi Police Remand Extension
During the late-night proceedings, the Delhi Police Crime Branch moved an application seeking to extend Uday Bhanu Chib's police custody remand by 7-days. The police also filed separate applications for the remand of two other accused individuals involved in the same case, while the Crime Branch contended that extended custody was essential to uncover the conspiracy behind the protest and to identify other participants. However, the Duty Magistrate observed that the police failed to provide sufficient and compelling reasons to justify the extension of custodial remand. Consequently, the court dismissed the police's plea and approved the bail application filed by the defense.
Background of the AI Summit Protest
The legal action stems from a high-profile protest organized by the Indian Youth Congress at Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the international AI Summit. During the event, several IYC workers engaged in a shirtless protest to voice their opposition against the central government's policies. The demonstration led to a significant commotion at the high-security zone, prompting immediate intervention by the Delhi Police, while several individuals, including Uday Bhanu Chib, were detained and subsequently arrested under various sections of the law related to obstructing public servants and unlawful assembly.
Political Reactions from Congress and BJP
The arrest of the IYC President triggered a sharp political face-off between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress party labeled the arrest as "entirely unconstitutional," asserting that the right to protest is a fundamental pillar of Indian democracy. In a statement on social media, the party claimed that such tactics wouldn't deter them from raising public issues. Conversely, the BJP criticized the nature of the protest, stating that such behavior during a prestigious international summit was inappropriate and aimed at tarnishing the nation's global image. The ruling party maintained that the police action was a necessary step to maintain law and order.
Legal Requirements and Investigation Status
With the grant of bail, Uday Bhanu Chib will be released from custody, although the investigation into the incident remains active. The Crime Branch is expected to continue its probe by analyzing the surrendered electronic devices and recording statements from other witnesses. The court's decision to deny further remand indicates a scrutiny of the evidence presented by the police at this stage. The legal proceedings will now move toward the filing of a formal chargesheet. While the Congress party views the bail as a validation of their stance, the Delhi Police is reportedly reviewing the court order to determine the next course of legal action.