Student Leader Released While Activist Faces Court Following Capital Protest

Release And Court

All India Students' Association president Neha Bora was released early Saturday morning after being held in preventive custody, while Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke will face the Special Executive Magistrate court. Police stated that Ms. Bora was let go following formalities under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act. Meanwhile, authorities initiated action against Mr. Dipke under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita before his arrest.

Detention And Protests

The two student and political figures were taken into custody on Friday ahead of a planned flag-hoisting protest march at Connaught Place in New Delhi. Police sources noted that Ms. Bora was stopped at Mandi House and Mr. Dipke at Jhandewalan while heading to the site. The Hindustan Times reported that at least 150 people were detained around Janpath Road, Connaught Place, and Mandi House, with opposition leaders including Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, and MK Stalin condemning the police actions as an undeclared emergency.

Police Action And Notices

Prior to the march, Delhi Police served Mr. Dipke a notice under Section 163 of the BNSS, warning him against joining the rally. The notice stated that Connaught Place is not a notified protest venue and argued that demonstrations there disrupt local businesses, showrooms, and traders during the busy festival season. According to AISA, Ms. Bora was moved across various locations in the capital for five hours before reaching the RK Puram police station, where lawyers were reportedly denied access past midnight. Former AISA leader N. Sai Balaji stated that protests demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner will continue.

Context

Preventive detention powers allow police to hold individuals temporarily to maintain public order when a disturbance or breach of the peace is reasonably anticipated. Unapproved gatherings in commercial hubs are routinely restricted by local authorities to protect public safety and business operations during peak hours. Such actions frequently draw strong opposition criticism and legal challenges regarding civil liberties.