Uday Bhanu Chib gets bail in AI Summit protest case after court rejects custody extension plea

A Delhi court on Saturday granted bail to Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with the shirtless protest during the India AI Impact Summit. The decision came after the Delhi Police Crime Branch sought an extension of his custody.

First, the duty magistrate at Patiala House Court heard arguments from both sides. The Crime Branch demanded seven more days of police custody. However, the defence opposed the plea and filed a bail application. After reviewing submissions, the court rejected the request for extended remand. The magistrate said investigators failed to justify further custody.

The court granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 50,000. At the same time, the judge imposed conditions. Chib must surrender his passport and electronic devices to the court. He must also cooperate with the investigation whenever authorities call him.

Police arrested Chib after nearly 15 hours of questioning at Tilak Marg police station. Investigators linked him to a protest that took place on February 20 at Bharat Mandapam. The demonstration occurred on the final day of the India AI Impact Summit and Expo 2026 in New Delhi.

According to the arrest memo, police consider Chib the main organiser of the protest. Officers alleged that he coordinated an unlawful assembly inside the summit venue. They claimed that protesters raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attempted to create unrest. Police further alleged that some participants obstructed officers on duty and tried to escalate tensions.

Investigators also named Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Narasimha Yadav and Ajay Kumar Yadav as co-accused. Police claimed that the group disrupted security arrangements and resisted officials during the event. Moreover, the arrest note stated that Chib did not cooperate fully during questioning. Officers alleged that he withheld information about missing co-accused and the source of printed T-shirts used during the protest.

Meanwhile, the political fallout intensified. The BJP criticised the protest sharply. Party leaders accused the Youth Congress of trying to damage India’s global image during an international technology summit. They argued that such actions send the wrong message to investors and global partners.

On the other hand, the Congress party defended its youth wing. Leaders described the demonstration as a peaceful expression of dissent. They said young people raised concerns about governance and employment. They rejected allegations of violence and conspiracy.

However, the controversy did not stop there. Even some allies within the opposition INDIA bloc questioned the manner of protest. They distanced themselves from the shirtless demonstration. As a result, the incident sparked debate within opposition ranks.

The case now moves into the next legal phase. The court’s refusal to extend custody marks a setback for investigators. Still, police continue their probe into the planning and execution of the protest. Authorities will examine digital evidence and statements from other accused.

For now, Chib walks free under court-imposed conditions. Yet, the investigation continues. The protest at a high-profile AI summit has already triggered legal scrutiny and political confrontation. As the matter unfolds, both legal and political battles appear set to continue in the national capital.