A Delhi trial court has directed the release of nine activists affiliated with the Indian Youth Congress who were detained after staging a shirtless protest during the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam. The order was passed by Judicial Magistrate First Class Ravi at the Patiala House Court.

The protest took place while the summit was underway, drawing attention from security personnel and event organisers. According to officials, the demonstrators removed their shirts as a symbolic gesture to voice dissent inside the venue. Police subsequently took them into custody, citing concerns related to security and disruption of a high-profile gathering.

While granting bail, the magistrate observed that the act appeared to be a political expression rather than a violent disturbance. The court noted that pre-trial detention should not become punitive in nature, especially when the investigation does not indicate serious criminal intent. The order emphasised that custody before conviction must be justified by clear legal necessity, and in this instance, continued detention was not warranted.

The nine individuals released on bail include Krishna Hari, Narshimha Yadav, Kundan Kumar Yadav, Ajay Kumar Singh, Jitendra Singh Yadav, Raja Gurjar, Ajay Kumar Vimal, Saurabh Singh and Arbaz Khan. The court granted them relief subject to standard bail conditions, including cooperation with the ongoing inquiry.