AI Summit Shirtless Protest: Shirtless protest in Delhi proved costly, 4 Youth Congress workers on 5-day police remand

News India Live, Digital Desk: The court has given a big blow to four workers of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) who protested ‘shirtless’ outside the high-profile AI Summit 2026 organized in the capital Delhi. A local court of Delhi has sent these four accused to police custody for 5 days on Saturday, 21 February 2026. What is the whole matter? (The AI Summit Protest Drama) During the Global AI Summit going on in Bharat Mandapam, Delhi, there was sudden chaos on Friday when some Youth Congress workers, half-naked (shirtless), broke the security cordon and reached near the main gate. Reason for protest: The protesting youth were raising slogans against the Central Government regarding the increasing unemployment in the country and the threats of layoffs due to AI. Police action: Delhi Police and paramilitary forces deployed for the security of the summit took immediate action and detained them. The police allege that the protesters not only broke the ‘protocol’ but also scuffled with the security personnel. Court’s comments and basis of remand: During the hearing on Saturday, Delhi Police argued in the court that there could be some big conspiracy or foreign funding involved behind this demonstration, because this program was of international level. Scope of investigation: Police want to search the mobile phones of these activists and the call data records (CDR) of the last 6 months. Defense’s argument: Congress lawyers opposed the remand, calling it a “democratic protest”, but the court granted 5-day custody considering the seriousness of the investigation. AI and unemployment: The new focus of protest This demonstration shows that there are deep concerns among the youth about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India. Protestors’ posters read “AI = Job Loss?” Like slogans were written. The government says that AI will create new opportunities, while the opposition is calling it a threat to employment.