Ebenezer News Explainer DeskExplainers are written from our published summary and its cited sources, then checked against them.15 Oct 2026, 05:20 amUpdated 1h ago4 min readIndiaIndia
Delhi Police response to October 10 protest detentions explained
The Delhi Police commissioner has defended the preventive measures taken on October 10, stating they were necessary to maintain order in sensitive areas of the capital. These actions, which included detentions and temporary internet suspensions, are currently being challenged in the Supreme Court.
What happened on October 10
On October 10, the Delhi Police implemented strict preventive measures across the national capital. This action followed a series of demonstrations and protest calls related to the Election Commission of India.
Police personnel detained activists from various student bodies and political figures. The police chief, Anurag Kumar, stated that these individuals were not sent to jails but were kept in makeshift centres.
According to the police, the detainees were held for durations ranging from two to six hours. The administration claimed that those in custody were provided with hot, fresh, and good meals throughout their stay.
Political leaders who were removed from the protest sites were reportedly requested to sit in the chambers of Station House Officers. The police stated they were provided with tea, coffee, and meals while maintaining the dignity of their offices.
Why it matters for the public
The implementation of these security measures caused significant disruption to daily life in central Delhi. The authorities cited the need to protect the peace and tranquility of the area, which hosts many vital institutions.
These measures directly impacted the movement and rights of several groups:
Student activists from various organizations participating in the protests
Political leaders who had organized marches and demonstrations
Daily commuters who faced major traffic snarls and delays
Citizens attempting to reach railway stations and airports
Residents and workers in the vicinity of Raisina Hill
For the general public, this situation highlights the ongoing tension between the right to protest and the state's responsibility to maintain public order. The police argued that failing to act could lead to disruptions that gain global attention and harm the reputation of a fast-developing nation.
How we got here
The police justification for these actions is rooted in a series of recent events. The commissioner pointed to an unlawful assembly on July 20 that resulted in violence and damage to public and private property.
Furthermore, protests organized by the Congress party on October 6, October 7, and October 8 caused severe traffic congestion. The police reported that officers were harassed during these events, with damages including punctured tyres and broken window panes.
Central Delhi is home to 195 sensitive institutions, including the Supreme Court, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and various foreign embassies. The police chief noted that the area requires a different level of precaution compared to other parts of the country.
Authorities also highlighted that the period between August and October 2026 involved high-profile diplomatic visits and international summits. This context made the administration particularly sensitive to any potential breach of public order.
What happens next
A bench of the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, is currently hearing a series of petitions. These petitions, filed by various advocates and political figures, challenge the crackdown and the detentions.
As the legal process unfolds, several developments are expected:
The court will examine the detailed affidavit submitted by the Delhi Police commissioner.
Legal representatives for the petitioners will present arguments regarding the legality of the preventive detentions.
The bench may deliberate on the balance between police powers and the fundamental rights of citizens.
The court could issue observations regarding the necessity and proportionality of the measures taken.
Key facts at a glance
The police acted based on intelligence inputs and an ever-changing ground situation.
Cellular internet services were suspended within a four-km radius of Raisina Hill.
Authorities used powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
The police also utilized Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act to remove individuals.
Only 45 out of 303 Delhi Metro stations were closed during the October 10 events.
The police chief emphasized that no police administration can permit a breach of public order.
