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Delhi Court Upholds National Interest Over Protest at AI Summit 2026

A Delhi court has emphasized that national interest and India's international image cannot be compromised by protests, especially during globally significant events like the AI Summit 2026. The court made these observations while granting five-day police custody remand for four accused arrested for allegedly disrupting the summit at Bharat Mandapam. It stated that while democratic dissent is protected, protests cannot interfere with security or official duties during sensitive international gatherings. The court justified custodial interrogation to investigate electronic devices, communication links, and possible funding sources.

Key Points: Court: National Interest Over Protest at AI Summit

  • Court links protest to national security
  • Rights subject to sovereignty, public order
  • Accused granted police custody for probe
  • Incident allegedly disturbed international forum
  • Investigation to trace funding, links
3 min read

National interest cannot be jeopardised in name of protest: Delhi Court on AI Summit disruption

Delhi court says protest cannot jeopardize national interest or India's global image during international summits like AI Summit 2026.

"national interest and the country's international image cannot be compromised under the guise of protest - Delhi Court"

New Delhi, February 22

Observing that national interest and the country's international image cannot be compromised under the guise of protest, a Delhi court has held that acts capable of disrupting globally significant events require serious scrutiny and effective investigation.

The Court underlined that while democratic dissent is protected, any conduct affecting security arrangements or India's standing before foreign delegates assumes greater gravity.

The observations came from the Judicial Magistrate First Class at Patiala House Courts while allowing a five-day police custody remand of four accused persons arrested in connection with an incident that allegedly took place at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

The Court noted that international summits hosted by India involve the participation of foreign dignitaries and represent the nation at a global platform. Any disruption at such venues, it is observed, may have implications extending beyond a local law-and-order issue and could impact diplomatic engagements and national prestige.

It further observed that although citizens possess the constitutional right to freedom of speech and peaceful protest, such rights are subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of sovereignty, public order, and security of the State.

Protest, the Court said, cannot be permitted in a manner that interferes with official duties or jeopardises security arrangements during sensitive international events.

According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly entered the high-security premises of Bharat Mandapam wearing slogan-bearing T-shirts critical of an India-US trade understanding and raised slogans during the summit proceedings. It was alleged that police personnel on duty were obstructed and assaulted while attempting to remove the individuals from the venue.

The Court recorded that medical documents indicated injuries to police officials and noted the prosecution's claim that the incident disturbed proceedings at an internationally attended forum.

While granting police custody, the Court held that investigation at this stage required custodial interrogation to analyse electronic devices, examine communication links, trace possible funding sources, and identify other persons allegedly involved.

The Court observed that such investigative steps could not be effectively undertaken if the accused were sent to judicial custody at this stage, thereby justifying police remand.

Dismissing the bail applications as premature, the Court applied established legal principles relating to the seriousness of allegations, likelihood of interference with the investigation, and the possibility of influencing evidence. It noted that the investigation was at an initial stage and the alleged involvement of other individuals was still being examined.

The Court directed the Investigating Officer to follow all procedural safeguards during custody, including medical examination of the accused and videography of interrogation proceedings, before remanding them to police custody till February 25.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the need for order, this ruling feels heavy-handed. The article says they were wearing slogan T-shirts and raising slogans. If they didn't have weapons, was a 5-day police custody really necessary? The line between security and suppression seems thin here.
V
Vikram M
Bharat Mandapam is a high-security zone during such summits. Entering it with the intent to disrupt is not a simple protest, it's a planned breach. The investigation into funding and links is crucial. Jai Hind.
P
Priya S
Agree with the court's balanced view. Right to protest is fundamental, but so is the right of the nation to conduct its affairs without disruption, especially when foreign delegates are present. There are a thousand other ways and places to register dissent.
R
Rohit P
The part about assaulting police personnel changes everything. If that's true, then it's no longer a peaceful protest. You can't claim constitutional protection after crossing that line. Hope the investigation is fair and swift.
K
Kavya N
It's a tricky situation. On one hand, we want India to be seen as a vibrant democracy. On the other, we can't have chaos at important diplomatic events. The court's emphasis on procedural safeguards during custody is a good step.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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