A Delhi court has rebuked members of the Indian Youth Congress for staging a disruptive protest inside Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit, describing the act as a serious breach of public order that risked harming India’s international reputation.
Judicial Magistrate Ravi made the observations while hearing the case against four activists of the Indian Youth Congress, who were arrested after staging a shirtless protest inside the high-security venue. The court sent the accused to five days of police custody for further investigation.
Court’s strong observations
In its order, the court said the protest could not be considered legitimate democratic dissent but amounted instead to a “blatant assault on public order”. The magistrate observed that the actions of the accused “imperil not merely the event’s sanctity but also the Republic’s diplomatic image before foreign stakeholders”.
The court noted that the alleged acts took place at a major international gathering attended by global delegates and technology leaders, making the breach particularly serious.
Allowing Delhi Police’s request for custodial interrogation, the magistrate said the case required deeper investigation into possible conspiracies, financial support, and digital planning behind the protest.
Allegations of planned intrusion
According to the prosecution, the accused orchestrated a premeditated entry into Bharat Mandapam, a high-security venue hosting international dignitaries.
Police told the court that the activists wore provocative T-shirts carrying slogans such as “India-US Trade Deal Compromised”, raised slogans against the government, obstructed public servants and allegedly assaulted police personnel.
Medical reports submitted before the court reportedly confirmed injuries sustained by police officials during the incident.
Investigators argued that custodial interrogation was necessary to identify other individuals involved and gather digital evidence related to the planning of the protest.
Police sources quoted in media also informed the court that the activists may have drawn inspiration from youth-led protest movements in Nepal, suggesting a possible broader strategy.
Custody granted for further probe
Granting five days’ police custody, the magistrate observed that the alleged offences warranted “stringent scrutiny” due to their potential impact on public order and national security.
The court also noted that the accused hailed from distant regions, raising concerns that they might abscond if released without adequate investigation.
Officials said investigators would examine funding sources, digital communications and possible links to other individuals involved in organising the protest.
What happened at the summit
The incident occurred during the India AI Impact Summit, a major international conference held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The summit, which began on February 16, attracted global technology leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs, including Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai.
Around ten Youth Congress activists reportedly entered the venue and staged a shirtless protest, raising slogans against Narendra Modi over the India-US trade deal.
The protesters displayed T-shirts bearing images of Modi and Donald Trump, along with slogans criticising government policies.
Security personnel quickly intervened and removed the protesters from the venue before they were arrested by Delhi Police.
Political reactions
The protest triggered a political controversy, with leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party condemning the incident as harmful to India’s global reputation.
Congress leaders, however, defended the protest as an expression of democratic dissent and said it reflected concerns among youth over policy issues.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities examining whether the protest was part of a wider organised campaign.
