Delhi High Court: In a habeas corpus petition filed by petitioner, president of Kshatriya Karni Sena/Akhand Karni Party, seeking his production on the assertion that he was being illegally detained at the residence of a friend, the Division Bench of Prathiba M. Singh and Vikas Mahajan, JJ., while accepting the Delhi Police’s statement that the petitioner had not been detained, held that he was free to move around, while directing that any protest he wished to participate should be in accordance with law.
The petitioner stated that he was the president of an organisation described as Kshatriya Karni Sena/Akhand Karni Party and had been leading a nationwide awareness campaign concerning the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 (2026 UGC Regulations). It was stated that he was illegally detained at the residence of one of his friends at B-57, Gate No. 3, Freedom Fighter Enclave, IGNOU Road, Neb Sarai, near Saket Metro Station, New Delhi, where he was staying, by the authorities concerned and was not permitted to leave the said premises.
The petitioner stated he was permitted to meet the lawyers at the stated address, following which the writ petition and supporting affidavit were prepared and filed. It was also stated that he had made representations to the National Human Rights Commission and other bodies, but was still allegedly not being permitted to leave the residence.
However, the Delhi Police’s stand was that the petitioner had not been arrested in any case. At the same time, it was submitted that there was an apprehension that the petitioner might proceed towards Jantar Mantar for a protest.
In view of the Delhi Police’s statement that the petitioner had not been detained, the Court did not find it necessary to grant any further urgent relief concerning the allegation of detention. Accepting the statement made on behalf of the Delhi Police, the Court held that the petitioner was free to move around. However, the Court made it clear that if the petitioner wished to participate in any protest, such participation would have to be in accordance with law.
The matter was directed to be listed on 1 September 2026 before the Roster Bench.
Also Read: Supreme Court Halts UGC 2026 Regulations; Revives 2012 Regulation pending Judicial Review
[Raj Shekhawat v. State (NCT of Delhi), W.P.(CRL) 2617/2026 & CRL.M.A. 26527/2026, decided on 25-8-2026]
Advocates who appeared in this case:
For the Petitioner: Mr Lokesh Bhardwaj, Mr. Himanshu Sharma, Mr. Rahul Bhardwaj, Mr Abhishek Tyagi, Mr Jatin, Ms. Geetika Ojha, Mr Ashishwarya Raj Singh, Advs.
For the Respondents: Mr. Hitesh Wali and Mr. Abhinav Kumar, Advs.