Delhi braces for fresh protests as court frees election chief critic

NEW DELHI — India's capital is set for a second day of youth-led demonstrations on Sunday, with protesters maintaining pressure on the country's election chief to resign. The demonstrations have drawn attention to concerns about electoral governance and the functioning of India's Election Commission.

A court ruling on Sunday ordered the release of Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the "cockroach" movement, along with two other senior protest leaders. The release order marks a development in the ongoing agitation that has mobilized youth activists across the city.

The protests underscore growing discontent among younger Indians over electoral processes and institutional oversight. The movement, which has adopted the cockroach metaphor in its messaging, has gained traction particularly among student and youth constituencies concerned about governance issues.

Authorities in the capital have been monitoring the demonstrations closely as organisers plan for continued activism throughout the weekend. The timing of the court's decision to release protest leaders comes as momentum builds for the planned Sunday demonstrations.