New Delhi: A Delhi court has sent four men to five-day police custody in connection with a protest that allegedly disrupted the AI Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan.
Judicial Magistrate First Class Ravi of Patiala House Courts passed the order on February 21 in the case titled State vs Shree Krishan Hari & Ors., linked to FIR No. 19/26 registered at Tilak Marg police station.
The accused — Shree Krishan Hari, Kundan, Ajay Kumar Singh and Narsimha — were produced before the court after their fresh arrest. The prosecution told the court that the incident took place on February 20 during the international AI Summit, which was attended by Indian and foreign delegates.
According to the police, the four men, along with others, allegedly entered the venue wearing T-shirts with the slogan “India US Trade Deal Compromised”. They are accused of raising provocative slogans, creating disorder and assaulting police personnel who were on duty. The police said three officers — ASI Shiv Kumar, ASI Subhash and Head Constable Sanjeet — sustained injuries, which were confirmed through medical reports.
The investigating officer sought five days’ police custody, arguing that custodial interrogation was needed to identify other alleged co-accused who fled the spot, examine digital evidence such as mobile phones and social media chats, and trace the funding and printing of the T-shirts.
The defence opposed the plea, saying the allegations were general in nature and that the protest was protected under the right to free speech and peaceful assembly under Article 19 of the Constitution. The accused also filed a bail application.
In his order, Magistrate Ravi said that while the right to protest is fundamental, it is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order and state security. The court noted that the allegations involve obstruction and assault of public servants during an international event.
Observing that the investigation was at an early stage and that police custody was necessary for effective probe, the court allowed five days’ police remand till February 25. The bail plea was rejected at this stage.