Politics · India Bureau
Chief Justice Condemns Extended Custody of Delhi Protest Detainees
India's Chief Justice has criticized the prolonged detention of two activists arrested during a security breach at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in mid-October. The remarks come as civil society figures escalate accusations that state machinery is being weaponized against young protesters.
LSN India ·
The Chief Justice of India has spoken out against the extended custody of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, asserting that such measures will not dampen the spirit of dissent. The two men have remained in judicial custody since October 13, following their unauthorized entry into the high-security Jantar Mantar complex in central Delhi.
Das and Ranka's prolonged detention has become a flashpoint in ongoing debates about protest rights and state response to demonstrations. Their case has attracted attention from civil liberties advocates and political figures concerned about the treatment of activists.
Academic and activist Abhijeet Dipke has leveled sharp criticism at the handling of the detainees, accusing the central government of deploying state machinery to intimidate young protesters and suppress legitimate dissent. Dipke's comments reflect broader concerns within activist circles about the space available for public demonstration and political expression in the country.
The incident underscores mounting tensions between government authorities and civil society groups over protest methodology and state response. The judiciary's intervention through the Chief Justice's remarks signals judicial attention to questions of proportionality in custody decisions and the balance between security concerns and constitutional protections for dissent.