Delhi High Court Scrutinises Police Detention of Activists The Delhi High Court convened a special sitting on 15 March 2026 to hear multiple habeas corpus petitions filed by activists alleging illegal custody by the police. Key Developments All ten activists reported detained were released, but one individual, Rudra , remains missing. The bench comprising Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja asked the police to explain the legal basis for the arrests. The court directed preservation of relevant CCTV footage. A further hearing is scheduled for 27 March 2026. Important Facts from the Petitions Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves highlighted that nine of the ten activists were released only after media coverage, suggesting police over‑reach. Advocate Sharukh Alam and Advocate Jasdeep Dhillon alleged that the detainees were taken by men in plain clothes to an unmarked safe house , not a police station, and were not produced before a magistrate . They also claimed the activists faced custodial torture and threats of elimination. One petition, filed by Advocate Deeksha Dwivedi , seeks the immediate production of Lakshita Rajora , missing since 13 March from the Vijay Nagar area near Delhi University. The petitioner alleges prior illegal detention of her sister and associates by the Special Cell . UPSC Relevance This case underscores several themes relevant to the UPSC syllabus: Rule of law and civil liberties : The use of habeas corpus reflects judicial safeguards against arbitrary detention. Police accountability : Allegations of extra‑judicial detention, use of unmarked safe houses , and torture raise questions about law‑enforcement reforms. Judicial oversight : The court’s directive to preserve CCTV footage and to trace missing detainees illustrates active judicial monitoring of executive actions. Way Forward The court’s next hearing on 27 March will likely focus on locating Rudra, examining the legality of the police’s actions, and ensuring compliance with procedural safeguards such as production before a magistrate . For UPSC aspirants, tracking the outcome will provide insight into the balance between security imperatives and fundamental rights in India’s democratic framework.