Delhi Court Stays Bail for Youth Congress President in AI Summit Protest Case
In a significant legal development, a Delhi court on Saturday intervened to stay the bail granted to Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib. This action came in connection with the controversial 'shirtless' protest that occurred during the AI Summit 2026, marking a dramatic reversal just hours after his release was ordered.
Late-Night Bail Order and Swift Judicial Stay
Earlier in the night, duty magistrate Vanshika Mehta had granted bail to Chib at approximately 1 am, following his production at her official residence. The magistrate emphasized the constitutional value of personal liberty, stating that deprivation of freedom must be strictly justified by law and not based on mere conjectures or the status of co-accused.
However, this decision was quickly challenged. Additional sessions judge Amit Bansal issued an ex-parte interim stay on the bail order until March 6, describing the situation as a rare and exceptional case. The court noted that the prosecution had presented a very strong prima facie case against the accused, warranting immediate judicial review.
Prosecution's Arguments Against Bail
The State vehemently opposed the initial bail grant, arguing it was made without valid legal grounds. Public prosecutor Atul Srivastav contended that no formal bail application had been filed or provided to the State or investigating officer, thereby denying them the opportunity to submit a reply. This procedural lapse was highlighted as a critical flaw in the magistrate's order.
The prosecution further asserted that Chib is considered the main conspirator in the February 20 incident. They argued that his custody is essential for confronting him with co-accused who are already in detention, as well as with extensive digital evidence. This evidence includes:
- Communication trails and WhatsApp group messages
- Internal instructions and coordination documents
- CCTV footage from the AI Summit venue
- Financial transaction records related to the protest
Additionally, the State pointed out that key conspirators, including individuals named Manish Sharma and Vishwajeet, remain absconding. This factor, they argued, strengthens the need for police custody remand to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Background of the AI Summit Protest
The case stems from an incident on February 20, when several men allegedly entered the AI Summit 2026 venue. They were reportedly wearing T-shirts featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, along with slogans criticizing the government and the India-US trade deal. The protest, described as 'shirtless' in media reports, has sparked legal and political controversy, with Chib identified as a central figure in the alleged conspiracy.
With a total of 14 accused persons arrested in this case, all previously in police custody, the court's stay on bail underscores the complexities and high stakes involved. The legal proceedings are set to continue, with the next hearing scheduled for March 6, where further arguments on the bail matter will be heard.
