Delhi Police authorised to exercise detention powers under NSA for 3 months; says order not linked to CJP protests

The Delhi Police Commissioner has been authorised to exercise the powers of a detaining authority under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, for a period of three months, according to a notification issued by the Delhi government's Home (Police-II) Department.

The authorisation will remain in force from July 19, 2026, to October 18, 2026.

The notification, issued on July 15, states that the authorisation has been granted under Section 3(3) read with Section 2(e) of the National Security Act.


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"During the period 19/07/2026 to 18/10/2026, the Commissioner of Police, Delhi may also exercise the powers of detaining authority under sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the aforesaid Act," the notification said.

The National Security Act empowers designated authorities to order preventive detention in specified cases involving national security, the maintenance of public order, or the maintenance of essential supplies and services, subject to the provisions of the Act.

Soon after the notification began circulating on social media, the Delhi Police issued a clarification, saying claims that the order was issued to suppress the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests were "misleading."

According to the police, the notification is a routine quarterly extension of powers under the National Security Act that is renewed every three months as part of the standard administrative process.

"The current renewal order was issued on 07.07.2026 for the period 19.07.2026 to 18.10.2026, well before the commencement of the CJP protests. No special request or order was initiated in connection with the recent events," the Delhi Police said.

The police further said the renewal "should not be construed as being linked to the ongoing protests" and urged citizens not to believe or circulate unverified information.

The clarification comes amid widespread speculation online after the notification surfaced during ongoing protests in the national capital over alleged leaks in competitive entrance examinations.

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The demonstrations, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, escalated earlier this week after protesters attempted to march towards Parliament, leading to clashes with police. Protesters are demanding examination reforms, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following exam paper leaks.

The agitation, which began over alleged examination paper leaks, has since evolved into a broader movement centred on government accountability, unemployment and opportunities for young Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced fast-track courts to hear examination paper leak cases, marking his first public response to the issue.