Bombay High Court at Goa Orders Release of Seven Protesters Detained at Azad Maidan

The Bombay High Court at Goa ordered the immediate release of seven persons detained at Azad Maidan during protests concerning the Election Commission.

Background

The Division Bench convened a special sitting on October 11 to consider an urgent habeas corpus petition. It questioned the legal basis for detentions where no prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS had been shown.

Legal issue and reasoning

The Court’s concern addressed the legality of the detention, not the merits of the protesters’ political demands. Police action remains subject to statutory authority and constitutional safeguards.

Consequence and next step

The seven detainees were directed to be released. The report appeared on October 12 and was not included in the previous day’s package.