Delhi Court Extends Police Custody of Youth Congress Workers in AI Summit Shirtless Protest Case
New Delhi, February 25, 2026: A Delhi court on Tuesday extended the police custody of five Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers by four days in connection with the controversial “shirtless” protest staged during the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam. The court accepted the Delhi Police’s plea seeking further custodial interrogation, observing that the investigation was still at a crucial stage.
The matter was heard by Chief Judicial Magistrate Mridul Gupta, who granted the extension after the prosecution argued that the protest was not an isolated or spontaneous act.
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Police Claim of “Well-Planned Conspiracy”
In its remand application, the Delhi Police submitted that the protest was
“not spontaneous but executed pursuant to prior planning, coordination, and structured strategy among the accused persons.”
The prosecution further told the court that preliminary findings revealed “structured planning, allocation of roles, concealment tactics and coordinated post-incident movement.”
The police maintained that the
“entire conspiracy, including its hierarchy, funding and inter-state coordination, is yet to be fully unearthed.”
Investigators argued that further custody was required to confront the accused with other arrested individuals and gather evidence relating to digital communication, planning meetings and financial support.
According to the prosecution, custodial interrogation was necessary
“to ascertain the hierarchy within the conspiracy, distribution of roles, planning meetings, decision-making authority and funding/logistical support.”
The police also informed the court that mobile phones had been seized and required detailed forensic examination, including analysis of chat groups and call detail records.
What Happened at the AI Impact Summit?
The protest occurred during the India AI Impact Summit, a high-profile event attended by policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders. As per the FIR, the accused allegedly entered the exhibition area and removed their shirts to reveal T-shirts bearing political slogans, including “PM is compromised”, while raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and criticising the India-US trade deal.
Security personnel quickly intervened, and several Youth Congress members were detained on the spot. The incident sparked political controversy, with ruling party leaders condemning the act and the opposition defending it as a democratic expression of dissent.
Arrest of IYC Leadership and Charges Invoked
Earlier, Uday Bhanu Chib, National President of the Indian Youth Congress, was also arrested in connection with the protest. Police alleged that he played a central coordinating role, describing him as instrumental in the planning of the demonstration.
The FIR includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, obstructing public servants and causing hurt to a public servant. Authorities have also added rioting-related provisions, emphasising the seriousness of the alleged breach at an international summit venue.
Political Reactions Intensify
The protest has triggered sharp political reactions. Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party described the act as “shameful” and said it “tarnishes India’s global image” during an important international event. On the other hand, leaders from the Indian National Congress defended the protest, stating that raising issues of public concern is part of democratic engagement.
Meanwhile, the investigation has reportedly been transferred to the Crime Branch for deeper scrutiny into the alleged conspiracy and coordination behind the protest.
Next Hearing
With custody extended, the accused will be produced before the court again after the completion of the remand period. The case is expected to further test the balance between the right to protest and maintaining security during high-level international events.
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