Delhi Lieutenant Governor has extended the Delhi Police Commissioner’s detention powers under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, for a period of three months from July 19, 2026, to October 18, 2026.
Delhi L-G’s NSA Order Comes Amidst Continued CJP Protest
While this is a routine extension that happens every quarter, it comes amid heightened security concerns in the national capital following the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, which has witnessed large gatherings, clashes between protesters and security personnel, and a march towards Parliament that was stopped by police.
The Delhi Police has clarified, “A routine quarterly renewal of powers under the National Security Act (NSA) has been falsely linked to the ongoing CJP protests. The renewal predates the protests and is part of the standard administrative process. Citizens are advised to rely only on official information and avoid sharing misinformation.”
Under the NSA, authorities can order preventive detention of individuals if they believe their activities pose a threat to national security, public order, or essential services. The law allows detention without formal charges for a specified period, subject to legal safeguards and review mechanisms.
The move grants the Delhi Police Commissioner additional powers at a time when the city police are managing a prolonged protest movement led by the CJP over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and demands for accountability from the government.
The agitation, which began over allegations of exam paper leaks and concerns linked to students’ futures, intensified after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and undertook an indefinite hunger strike. Wangchuk was later shifted from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police after his health deteriorated, a move that triggered further criticism from organisers.
The protest escalated on July 20 when demonstrators attempted a march towards Parliament during the Monsoon Session. Police deployed barricades and security personnel to stop the march, with reports of clashes, use of tear gas, and injuries on both sides.
The CJP has continued its sit-in at Jantar Mantar, with its founder Abhijeet Dipke taking over the hunger strike after Wangchuk’s removal. The protesters have demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reforms in the examination system, and action over alleged failures affecting aspirants.
The Delhi Police has maintained that it is committed to maintaining law and order and has appealed to protesters to follow legal directions and avoid unlawful activities.