Did Centre Allow the Use of NSA To Suppress CJP Protest? Delhi Police Say Viral Notification Is Routine Extension
Delhi Police has clarified that the extension of the Police Commissioner's preventive detention powers under the National Security Act (NSA) is a routine quarterly renewal and not linked to CJP protests. The police said the order was issued on July 7 for the period from July 19 to October 18, before the demonstrations began, rejecting social media claims connecting it to protest action.
The Delhi Police on Thursday, July 23, clarified that the extension of the Police Commissioner's preventive detention powers under the National Security Act (NSA) was a routine administrative renewal and not connected to the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests. The clarification came after social media posts claimed that the order was issued specifically to suppress demonstrations in the national capital.
According to Delhi Police, the Lieutenant Governor's authorisation extends the Police Commissioner's detention powers under the NSA from July 19, 2026, to October 18, 2026. Officials said the order was issued on July 7, 2026, before the CJP protests began, and follows the standard quarterly renewal process under the law. Delhi Police Clarifies NSA Order, Says It Has No Link to CJP-Led Student Protests.
Delhi Police Clarifies NSA Powers Extension, Says Order Predates CJP Protests
Misleading information is circulating on social media claiming that the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, has been granted detention powers under the National Security Act (NSA) specifically to suppress the ongoing CJP protests.
In this regard, it is officially clarified that the…
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) July 23, 2026
Delhi Police Rejects Claims Linking NSA Order to Protests
The clarification followed online claims suggesting that the NSA powers were granted in response to CJP-led demonstrations over alleged examination irregularities and demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In a post on X, Delhi Police said: "Misleading information is circulating on social media claiming that the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, has been granted detention powers under the National Security Act (NSA) specifically to suppress the ongoing CJP protests." PM Narendra Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for Paper Leak Cases Amid CJP-Led Student Protests.
The police said the order was part of an established administrative procedure and was not issued in response to recent events. "In this regard, it is officially clarified that the order in question is a routine, quarterly extension of powers under the NSA, which is conventionally renewed every three months. The current renewal was issued on 07.07.2026 for the period effective from 19.07.2026 to 18.10.2026, predating the commencement of the CJP protests."
Police Explain Purpose of NSA Renewal
Delhi Police said no special request was made for the extension in connection with current demonstrations. "Furthermore, no specific request was initiated for this order in relation to recent events. The renewal constitutes a standard administrative procedure and has been misinterpreted out of context."
Authorities advised citizens and media organisations to verify government notifications through official channels before sharing information online.
What Does the NSA Provision Allow?
Under Sub-section 3 of Section 3 of the National Security Act, 1980, state governments and Union Territory administrations can delegate preventive detention powers to a District Magistrate or Commissioner of Police.
However, such authorisations cannot remain valid for more than three months at a time and require periodic renewal. Officials said the latest authorisation was finalised before the escalation of CJP-led demonstrations and was part of a process followed across successive administrations.
The clarification comes amid ongoing CJP protests over alleged examination irregularities and demands for changes in the education system. The organisation has held demonstrations in Delhi, including a march towards Parliament, while raising concerns over accountability and student issues.
Delhi Police said security personnel continue to monitor scheduled demonstrations in the capital while following standard public order procedures.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2026 07:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
