Delhi Police's NSA Preventive Detention Power Extended for Three More Months

The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has extended the power of the Delhi Police to impose preventive detention under the National Security Act (NSA) until October 18, according to an official notification issued on July 15. The extension has drawn attention due to ongoing protests by a political group, but authorities maintain it is a routine administrative measure.

The notification, issued by the Delhi government's Home Department, grants the city police commissioner authority under Sub Section (2) of Section 3 of the NSA. This power allows detention of individuals to prevent actions 'prejudicial to the defence of India' or public order. Detention under NSA can last from three to 12 months, subject to review by a board headed by a former High Court judge. Unlike arrest, preventive detention does not require immediate presentation before a court.

In a statement, the Delhi Police clarified that the extension is 'a routine renewal of powers under the NSA, which is issued every three months.' The force added that the renewal was granted on July 7, covering the period from July 19 to October 18, and that it predates the start of the protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on June 20. 'No specific request was made in the present context,' the statement said, dismissing suggestions that the move was aimed at curbing the protests.

The CJP, which uses a cockroach as its symbol, began its protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding a probe into the NEET paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. On July 15, tens of thousands of protesters attempted to march to Parliament under the banner 'Chalo Sansad,' leading to clashes that injured both protesters and police personnel.

Critics have raised concerns about the potential misuse of NSA powers to stifle dissent. However, a Delhi government officer stated that the power has been delegated every quarter since the 1980s, emphasizing its routine nature. The NSA is a stringent law that allows preventive detention without charge or trial, and it has been used across various states for different reasons.

The development underscores the balance between maintaining public order and protecting civil liberties in the capital. As the protest continues, the extended NSA powers remain a point of debate among legal experts and activists.