Delhi HC Halts Sessions Court Order, Grants Bail to Youth Congress Chief Uday Bhanu Chib in AI Summit Protest Case

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The Delhi High Court on Monday intervened in the case of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) president Uday Bhanu Chib, who was arrested on February 24 for allegedly leading a protest at the India AI Impact Summit. The high court stayed a sessions court order that had put on hold Chib's release, citing the lack of reasoning behind the sessions court's decision. Chib was granted bail by a duty magistrate on February 28, but the sessions court later stayed the order without hearing him. The high court, led by Justice Saurabh Banerjee, found it 'shocking' that the sessions court did not provide any reasons for the stay. The judge observed that the sessions court's order was 'not satisfactory' and that there was no application of mind in their decision. The case dates back to February 20, when approximately 15-20 IYC members removed their shirts at the summit venue, displaying images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump with critical captions. The Delhi Police registered an FIR under various provisions, including criminal conspiracy and disobedience of a public servant's order. Chib was remanded in police custody for four days and later granted bail, but the sessions court's order stayed his release. The high court's intervention has allowed Chib to remain on bail, pending further hearing on March 9. The sessions court had scheduled a hearing for March 6, but it will now be delayed due to the high court's stay. The case highlights the complexities of the protest and the concerns raised by the Delhi Police about a premeditated conspiracy.