‘Bail Is Rule’ Order Stayed by Delhi Sessions Court
28 Feb 2026 8:46 AM IST28 Feb 2026 8:46 AM IST
Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansal passed the stay order after Delhi Police challenged the bail granted by Duty Magistrate Vanshika Mehta
Indian Youth Congress (IYC) National President Uday Bhanu Chib arrives at Tilak Marg Police Station (PTI file image)
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday stayed the bail granted to Indian Youth Congress (IYC) president Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with the protest at the India AI Impact Summit, hours after a magistrate court had ordered his release.
Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansal passed the stay order after Delhi Police challenged the bail granted by Duty Magistrate Vanshika Mehta. The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 6.
Earlier, the magistrate had granted bail to Chib after his four-day police custody, ordered on February 24, ended. Police had sought a three-day extension of custody, stating that further interrogation was required to trace two co-accused.
Dismissing the plea, the magistrate observed that the right to life and liberty is the “soul of the Indian Constitution” and that curtailment of liberty requires strong justification. In a handwritten order, the court said the investigating officer had failed to provide cogent reasons for further custody.
“Being guilty or not is a matter of trial, and the law takes its own course to adjudicate such. However, what is relevant is whether the custody of the accused is required at this stage,” the magistrate said, adding that Chib had strong roots in society and was not a flight risk. The court also observed that “no person shall be devoid of his liberty on mere conjectures” and reiterated that “bail is a rule and jail is an exception”.
The magistrate directed Chib to furnish a surety bond of Rs 50,000 and surrender his passport and electronic gadgets. It also ordered verification of the documents submitted by him and directed that he remain in judicial custody till Sunday morning.
Chib was arrested in connection with the February 20 protest at Bharat Mandapam during the summit, where IYC members removed their shirts to display slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led Centre. Police alleged that the protesters engaged in a scuffle with security personnel at the venue.
Earlier, the magistrate had granted bail to Chib after his four-day police custody, ordered on February 24, ended. Police had sought a three-day extension of custody, stating that further interrogation was required to trace two co-accused.
Dismissing the plea, the magistrate observed that the right to life and liberty is the “soul of the Indian Constitution” and that curtailment of liberty requires strong justification. In a handwritten order, the court said the investigating officer had failed to provide cogent reasons for further custody.
“Being guilty or not is a matter of trial, and the law takes its own course to adjudicate such. However, what is relevant is whether the custody of the accused is required at this stage,” the magistrate said, adding that Chib had strong roots in society and was not a flight risk. The court also observed that “no person shall be devoid of his liberty on mere conjectures” and reiterated that “bail is a rule and jail is an exception”.
The magistrate directed Chib to furnish a surety bond of Rs 50,000 and surrender his passport and electronic gadgets. It also ordered verification of the documents submitted by him and directed that he remain in judicial custody till Sunday morning.
Chib was arrested in connection with the February 20 protest at Bharat Mandapam during the summit, where IYC members removed their shirts to display slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led Centre. Police alleged that the protesters engaged in a scuffle with security personnel at the venue.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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