Delhi High Court Demands Explanation from Police on Student Detentions

Key Takeaways

All ten students and activists have been released, except for one.

The Delhi High Court has demanded an explanation from the police.

CCTV footage from key locations is to be preserved.

The court emphasized the need for cooperation with authorities.

A habeas corpus petition concerning the missing student will be heard soon.

New Delhi, March 15 (NationPress) On Sunday, the Delhi High Court was notified by the Delhi Police that all ten students and activists who were reportedly detained from various locations in the national capital on March 13 and 14 have now been released.

During a special weekend session, a bench comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja examined habeas corpus petitions submitted by the relatives of some detainees who claimed illegal detention.

Representing the Delhi Police, Additional Standing Counsel Sanjeev Bhandari informed the Justice Chawla-led Bench that the individuals had been apprehended in relation to an ongoing investigation following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR), and that they have all been released.

Upon acknowledging this information, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the city police, instructing them to submit an affidavit within a week detailing the circumstances and legal grounds for which the students and activists were detained.

"We have been informed that, concerning the individuals alleged to have been unlawfully detained, they have since been released. The respondent (Delhi Police) is required to file an affidavit clarifying the conditions and legal authority under which they were detained within one week from today," the bench stated.

The court also ordered the police to retain CCTV footage from three specific locations—Dayal Singh College, the North Campus of the University of Delhi, and the Jahangirpuri area—where the individuals were reportedly taken into custody.

During the proceedings, the counsel for the petitioners pointed out that while most detainees have been released, one student, Rudra Vikram Roy, remains unaccounted for.

Taking this into consideration, the bench instructed the police to determine his whereabouts and provide a report. The Delhi High Court further noted that should the students be required for any investigative process, they must comply with the authorities' requests.

The case has been scheduled for further hearing on March 27, while the habeas corpus petition concerning the missing student will be addressed by the Delhi HC on Monday.

Point of View

It is crucial to observe that the Delhi High Court's intervention highlights the importance of judicial oversight in cases of alleged illegal detentions. The court's commitment to ensuring accountability from law enforcement is paramount, reflecting a nation-first approach that upholds the rule of law.

NationPress

10 Aug 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the students and activists detained?

The individuals were reportedly detained in connection with an ongoing investigation following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).

What did the Delhi High Court demand from the police?

The Delhi High Court ordered the police to submit an affidavit explaining the legal circumstances under which the students and activists were detained.

Is there still one missing student?

Yes, one student, Rudra Vikram Roy, remains unaccounted for, and the court has directed the police to ascertain his whereabouts.

When is the next hearing scheduled?

The next hearing regarding this matter is scheduled for March 27, while the case concerning the missing student will be addressed on Monday.

What locations are being investigated for CCTV footage?

CCTV footage is to be preserved from Dayal Singh College, the North Campus of the University of Delhi, and the Jahangirpuri area.