AI Summit Shirtless Protest: A Delhi court on Saturday rejected the bail pleas of four Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers arrested for staging a dramatic shirtless protest during the AI Impact Summit in the national capital. The Patiala House Court granted Delhi Police five days of custodial interrogation, saying further investigation was necessary in the case.
The four accused have been identified as Krishna Hari, national secretary of Youth Congress from Bihar; Kundan Yadav, IYC state secretary from Bihar; Ajay Kumar, IYC state president from Uttar Pradesh; and Narasimha Yadav from Telangana. Police told the court that the accused belong to different states and custodial questioning was required to establish the full scope of the alleged conspiracy.
The incident took place at Bharat Mandapam during the high-profile AI Impact Summit, an event attended by global leaders and dignitaries. According to the police, the Youth Congress members removed their shirts and displayed slogans critical of the government and the India-US trade deal. Authorities claim the protesters shouted objectionable slogans, causing disruption at the international gathering.
Delhi Police argued that mobile phones of the accused need to be recovered and examined to determine planning, coordination, and financial backing. The prosecution also alleged that three police personnel were injured when officers attempted to detain the protesters. Investigators said they must trace the source of funding, identify who printed the protest materials, and locate other participants who allegedly escaped from the venue.
Defense lawyers strongly opposed the police’s request for custody. They told the court that the accused are office bearers of a recognized political organization and were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest. The defense maintained that the demonstration was non-violent and that no video evidence suggests physical aggression. They further argued that arresting individuals for protest activities undermines democratic principles.
Earlier, the Indian Youth Congress had described the protest as a symbolic act against what it called a “compromised Prime Minister,” alleging that national interests were being diluted during the summit. Security forces detained the protesters shortly after the demonstration began.
The incident quickly sparked political reactions across the country. BJP supporters organized counter-protests in cities such as Surat and Jammu, while BJP Yuva Morcha members demonstrated in Delhi to condemn the Youth Congress action. The controversy has since evolved into a broader political debate over dissent, decorum, and the limits of protest in high-security international events.
With five days of police custody now granted, investigators are expected to intensify questioning and digital forensic analysis. The accused may approach a higher court seeking relief if bail continues to be denied. As the legal process unfolds, the case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing political contest over free expression and public protest in India.
Summary:
Patiala House Court denied bail to four Indian Youth Congress workers arrested for a shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. The court granted Delhi Police five days of custody to investigate alleged conspiracy, funding sources, and digital evidence. The defense claims the protest was peaceful and constitutionally protected, while political tensions continue to rise nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Why were the four Indian Youth Congress workers arrested?
They were arrested for staging a shirtless protest during the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Police allege that the protest disrupted the event and involved objectionable slogans.
Q2. Which court heard the case?
The matter was heard at the Patiala House Court in Delhi, which rejected their bail pleas and granted police custody.
Q3. How long is the police custody?
The court granted Delhi Police five days of custodial interrogation to further investigate the case.
Q4. Who are the accused individuals?
The accused are Krishna Hari (Bihar), Kundan Yadav (Bihar), Ajay Kumar (Uttar Pradesh), and Narasimha Yadav (Telangana), all affiliated with the Indian Youth Congress.
Q5. What are the main allegations against them?
Police allege they disrupted an international summit, raised objectionable slogans, obstructed law enforcement officers, and may have been part of a larger conspiracy.
Q6. What does the police want to investigate during custody?
Investigators aim to recover and examine mobile phones, trace funding sources, identify who produced protest materials, and locate other alleged participants.
Q7. What is the defense’s argument?
The defense claims the protest was peaceful and a legitimate exercise of constitutional rights. They argue there is no evidence of violence and that the arrests undermine democratic principles.
Q8. Has the incident triggered political reactions?
Yes, the protest has led to political reactions and counter-protests by BJP supporters in several cities, intensifying the political debate.
Q9. Can the accused apply for bail again?
Yes, the accused can approach a higher court seeking bail if their plea continues to be rejected at the lower court level.
Q10. What happens next in the case?
During the five-day custody period, police will question the accused and collect evidence. After custody ends, the court will review the investigation progress and decide on further legal proceedings.