In a significant development late on February 28, Patiala House Court in New Delhi granted conditional bail to Youth Congress President Uday Bhanu Chib in the high-profile case stemming from protests during the AI Summit. The decision came as a major relief for Chib, who was presented before the duty magistrate by Delhi Police late at night.
The court approved bail on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 after rejecting the Delhi Police Crime Branch’s plea to extend his police custody by seven days. Police had sought additional remand for Chib and two other accused in the matter, but the magistrate found insufficient grounds presented by the prosecution.
Chib’s legal team swiftly filed a bail application, which the court accepted, imposing conditions such as surrendering his passport and electronic gadgets. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance against what the defense portrayed as overreach by law enforcement.
Youth Congress celebrated the verdict on social media platform X, hailing it as a triumph of justice. ‘Satyamev Jayate,’ the party posted, accusing the Crime Branch of midnight maneuvers thwarted by the vigilant judiciary. The post praised lawyers and the court for upholding fairness amid allegations of politically motivated actions linked to opposition against a controversial trade deal.
The AI Summit protests had drawn national attention, with Youth Congress leading demonstrations against perceived anti-India policies. Chib’s release marks a pivotal moment, potentially energizing party workers ahead of upcoming political battles. As investigations continue, this bail decision highlights tensions between protest rights and public order maintenance in the capital.