Delhi Court Grants Bail to Congress Workers in AI Summit Protest, Calls Act ‘Symbolic Political Critique

A Delhi court has granted bail to nine members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) who were arrested for staging a protest during the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam last month, observing that the demonstration amounted to a “symbolic political critique” rather than a serious criminal offence.

The accused were taken into custody after they allegedly entered the summit venue and removed their outer garments to reveal T-shirts bearing slogans critical of the Centre and its policies, including references to the India–US trade deal. The protest, described by authorities as disruptive and unlawful, led to the arrest of a total of 14 individuals.

While opposing the bail pleas, the prosecution argued that the demonstrators raised objectionable slogans and interfered with security arrangements at the high-profile international event. Police maintained that such actions posed a threat to order and decorum at a global forum attended by dignitaries.

However, the court took a different view, noting that the protest appeared to be a brief act of political expression without evidence of violence, property damage, or widespread panic. Emphasizing the principle that bail is the rule and jail the exception, the judge said continued detention at this stage would amount to punitive action before trial.

The court underlined that dissent, even if expressed in an unconventional manner, must be assessed in light of constitutional protections for free speech. It observed that pre-trial incarceration should be reserved for cases involving serious risk or harm, which did not appear evident in the present matter.

Of the 14 individuals arrested, nine have secured bail, while proceedings involving the remaining accused are ongoing. The case has sparked political debate over the limits of protest at official events and the balance between security concerns and democratic freedoms.