Shirtless protest at India AI summit: Delhi court grants relief to IYC General Secretary Nigam Bhandari

A Delhi court on Friday granted interim anticipatory bail to the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) General Secretary Nigam Bhandari in the case related to a shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Prashant Sharma of the Patiala House Court said that the order would remain in force till the next date of hearing of the case on March 24.

"For balancing rights of the parties and for the purpose of getting sufficient material on record for deciding this application, interim anticipatory bail is granted to applicant Nigam Bhandari, subject to following terms and conditions. In the event of his arrest, applicant be released on bail subject to furnishing of personal bond/surety bond in the sum of ₹25,000/- each subject to the satisfaction of concerned IO/ SHO/Arresting Officer," the Court ordered.

Senior Advocate Rebecca John appeared for Bhandari and argued that he was not present at the spot, had undergone a jaw surgery, has no criminal antecedents, strong social roots and was willing to join the investigation.

She said that he has not been served with any police notice and the offences are not grave and carry a maximum sentence of five-year sentence.

John added that peaceful protest is constitutionally protected and there is no evidence of conspiracy or incriminating communication.

However, the Delhi Police argued that Bhandari's custodial interrogation is necessary as co-accused are in custody and the investigation is at an early stage.

It was stated that the applicant is central to planning a well-executed conspiracy, where physical presence is unnecessary.

Members of the IYC staged a shirtless protest inside the India AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam on February 20.

Several activists entered the venue, some removing their shirts to reveal T-shirts with slogans like “PM is compromised” and criticisms of the India-US trade deal, before chanting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and government policies.

A total of 11 persons have been arrested by the Delhi Police in the case till now.

Along with Senior Advocate John, advocates Roopesh Singh Bhadauria, Chitwan Godara, Sumit Rawat, Rishav Ranjan, Keshav Negi, Divyansh Thakur, Aman, Niranjan and Pravir Singh appeared for Nigam Bhandari.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Atul Srivastav appeared for Delhi Police.