Newdelhi, Oct 12, 2026: The Delhi High Court has asked Delhi Police to file a status report concerning a petition filed by civil rights activist Mohammad Wasiq Nadeem Khan, who claims he was unlawfully detained to prevent him from participating in a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The court issued notice on the petition, which additionally contends that authorities subjected him to persistent surveillance and unceasing telephone calls.
A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma also raised concerns regarding the actions of police personnel during the proceedings. While acknowledging that law enforcement possesses the authority to reject permission for demonstrations, the bench questioned the legality of entering an individual's private space and confining them without proper cause.
During the hearing, Khan's legal representative stated that two law enforcement officers arrived at his combined residence and office on September 29, restricting his movement throughout the entire day. The counsel argued that this ongoing surveillance constituted arbitrary behavior and harassment, referencing recent rulings by the Supreme Court regarding the protection of citizen mobility.
Representing the police, counsel argued that Khan was never detained and noted that he had traveled to Kolkata the previous week. The police requested additional time to formally document their position and assured the court that Khan would not receive further phone calls. Authorities explained that Khan had previously requested permission to stage a demonstration at Jantar Mantar on September 29, which was officially rejected, and that officers only visited him to make inquiries after learning he intended to join the gathering despite the denial.
Khan, who serves as the national secretary of the Association of Protection of Civil Rights and founded the United Against Hate initiative, approached the high court after alleging that officers from the Shaheen Bagh Police Station confined him at the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind headquarters in Abul Fazal Enclave. The alleged confinement lasted from approximately 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on September 29 and was intended to keep him away from the protest organized by civil society groups against alleged attacks on places of worship.
The activist stated he was never formally arrested, provided with written reasons for his restriction, given an arrest memo, allowed to notify relatives, or presented before a magistrate. He further maintained that officers continued tracking his location regarding subsequent demonstrations on October 2 and October 5, generating fears of further interference. The high court's directive now requires Delhi Police to officially address these claims of confinement, surveillance, and repeated questioning.