Delhi Court Places Indian Youth Congress President Uday Bhanu Chib in Custody

A court in Delhi has ordered the remand of Uday Bhanu Chib, President of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), to four days of police custody in connection with a protest staged during the recent AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam.

The order was issued on February 24, 2026, by Judicial Magistrate First Class Ravi at the Patiala House Courts. The Delhi Police had requested a seven-day custody period for Chib to facilitate further interrogation regarding the protest. However, the judge granted a slightly reduced remand of four days, concluding on February 28, 2026.

During this hearing, the court stipulated that all constitutional safeguards must be adhered to during Chib's custody. These include regulations concerning medical examinations, the maintenance of case documentation, and the requirement to present Chib before the appropriate court in a timely manner. Additionally, it was confirmed that Chib would retain the right to meet with his legal counsel during the interrogation, in accordance with Section 38 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Uday Bhanu Chib's arrest occurred in relation to a protest involving a group of IYC activists who staged a shirtless demonstration at the AI summit venue. These protesters had donned T-shirts featuring images of prominent leaders, such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, with slogans critical of the government and the India-US trade agreement.

The AI Impact Summit, which commenced on February 16, attracted significant attention due to this controversial protest, which many viewed as a considerable escalation in political dissent. Following Chib's arrest, security enforcement has intensified in key locations across the capital to preclude further protests. This incident marks a total of eight individuals now taken into custody related to this case.

In the wake of the arrest, Rahul Gandhi, a senior Congress leader, vocally expressed his support for Chib and his fellow party members. Gandhi described the arrest as indicative of 'dictatorial tendencies' within the current government and commended the Youth Congress for their bravery in raising concerns over national interests. He affirmed, “Peaceful protest is in our blood and a democratic right of every Indian.”

Gandhi's statement also implicated the India-US trade deal, alleging that it would adversely affect local farmers and various sectors in India, asserting that the government's actions reflect a compromise on national interests.

Anand Sharma, another seasoned Congress leader, echoed Gandhi's sentiments, calling Chib's arrest 'unjustified' and emphasising the necessity of protecting the right to non-violent protest within a democratic framework. He openly demanded Chib's immediate release, highlighting the critical role of youth organisations in voicing societal concerns.

The developments surrounding Uday Bhanu Chib's situation illustrate ongoing tensions in Indian politics, particularly concerning the government's response to dissent. Activists and opposition members continue to vocalise their opposition to the ruling authorities during an increasingly turbulent period for political expression in India.