New Delhi: The Centre has authorised new elected Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, an IPS officer of 1994 batch, to exercise preventive detention powers under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, for a period of three months, from July 19 to October 18, 2026. The order has triggered public discussion amid the ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), although Delhi Police has categorically clarified that the extension is a routine administrative exercise and is unrelated to the demonstrations.
The notification empowers the Police Commissioner to function as the detaining authority under Section 3(2) of the National Security Act, enabling preventive detention in cases that meet the legal requirements prescribed under the Act.
Routine Three-Month Extension, Says Delhi Police
Following reports linking the order to the ongoing student protests in the national capital, Delhi Police issued a clarification stating that the extension is granted every three months as a matter of routine.
According to the police, the latest renewal order was issued on July 15 and covers the period from July 19 to October 18, several days before the CJP-led protests intensified.
The force emphasised that:
- No special request was made in connection with the ongoing protests.
- The notification should not be interpreted as being aimed at controlling or suppressing demonstrations.
- The extension is a standard administrative procedure carried out periodically.
Read also: Who Is IPS Anurag Kumar? 1994-Batch AGMUT Officer Appointed Delhi Police Commissioner
What the Notification Says
The notification was issued by the Home (Police-II) Department of the Delhi Government and signed by Ramesh Kumar, Deputy Secretary.
It states that the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has authorised the Police Commissioner under Section 3(2) read with Section 3(3) and Section 2(e) of the National Security Act, 1980, to exercise preventive detention powers during the notified period.
Importantly, the notification does not impose the National Security Act across Delhi, nor does it introduce any fresh restrictions on public movement or assembly.
Instead, it merely authorises the Commissioner to invoke preventive detention provisions in cases where the statutory conditions under the NSA are satisfied.
What Is the National Security Act?
The National Security Act, 1980 empowers the government to order preventive detention in specific circumstances to safeguard:
- National security;
- Maintenance of public order; and
- Maintenance of supplies and services essential to the community.
Unlike ordinary criminal proceedings, preventive detention under the NSA allows authorities to detain an individual without immediate criminal prosecution.
Under the Act:
- A person may initially be detained for a short period, subject to statutory review.
- Preventive detention can ultimately extend up to 12 months, depending on the circumstances and legal approvals prescribed under the Act.
The law also contains procedural safeguards, including review by an Advisory Board within the stipulated timeframe.
Protests Trigger Public Attention
The clarification assumes significance because the extension coincides with widespread protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student groups over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protests began on June 20 at Jantar Mantar and escalated on July 20, when thousands of demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament under the “Chalo Sansad” campaign.
The march witnessed clashes between protesters and police, resulting in injuries to both protesters and police personnel. The incidents have since become the subject of judicial scrutiny, with the Delhi High Court directing authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other evidence while hearing petitions alleging police excesses.
Police Reject Link Between NSA Order and Protests
Responding to speculation, Delhi Police maintained that the notification predates the recent demonstrations and has no connection with the law-and-order situation arising from the CJP protests.
Officials reiterated that the Commissioner’s preventive detention powers under the NSA have been extended periodically over the years through similar notifications and that the latest order should not be viewed as an extraordinary measure.
The present authorisation will remain valid until October 18, 2026, unless modified or withdrawn earlier.
