India: CASR Strongly Condemns the Arrest and Torture of 23 Protesters

We hereby share a statement issued by Campaign Against State Repression.

CASR Strongly Condemns the Arrest and Torture of 23 Protesters by Delhi Police, Including the Overnight Detention of Women Protesters

We express our deep concern and strong condemnation over the arrest and judicial remand of 23 peaceful protesters, including 11 women, who had gathered at India Gate to raise their voices against the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi. The Delhi Police have reportedly registered two FIRs against the protesters—one at Kartavya Path Police Station and another at Parliament Street Police Station. Under the first FIR, The court sent five protestors to judicial custody for two days while the sixth person has been sent to a safehouse till the time his age is verified. Under the second FIR, 17 students were arrested and have been remanded to three days of judicial custody.

The right to breathe clean air is fundamental, and citizens have every democratic right to peacefully protest when their health and well-being are at risk. Instead of addressing the urgent environmental hazards affecting millions, the authorities chose to silence those exercising their constitutional right to dissent.

We are especially alarmed by reports that several women protesters were detained throughout the night, in apparent violation of established Supreme Court guidelines governing the detention of women. Such actions raise serious concerns about the protection of civil liberties and adherence to due process. Equally disturbing are serious allegations that 4–5 student protesters were taken to different police stations and subjected to severe mistreatment while in custody. Any allegation of custodial violence must be treated with the utmost seriousness.

We are deeply shocked by emerging allegations that some women protesters faced sexual harassment during their detention. Any form of sexual harassment in custody constitutes a grave human rights violation and demands immediate, sensitive, and impartial investigation. Additionally, there are reports that lawyers were prevented from entering police stations and denied access to meet the detained protesters. Denying legal access violates fundamental rights and undermines the principles of transparency, accountability, and fair process.

Public health concerns cannot be addressed through suppression, intimidation, or violence. They require meaningful government action, scientific transparency, and sincere engagement with citizens.

We call for:

1. Immediate and unconditional release of all Arrested protesters.

2. A transparent, independent, and time-bound investigation into allegations of custodial abuse, including sexual harassment and physical mistreatment.

3. Strict adherence to legal and constitutional safeguards, including Supreme Court guidelines on the detention of women and the right to legal counsel.

4. Respect for peaceful democratic expression, particularly on matters of public health and environmental justice.

5. Urgent and accountable measures to address Delhi’s worsening air pollution.

6. Protection and support for women, students, and all individuals who raise legitimate environmental and public health concerns.

We stand in solidarity with the protesters who gathered peacefully to demand something as basic as clean air. Silencing voices will not clear the air—action will. It is time for the authorities to listen, engage, and respond responsibly.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST STATE REPRESSION

Organising Team

(AIRSO, AISA, AISF, APCR, ASA, BASF, BSM, Bhim Army, bsCEM, CEM, COLLECTIVE, CRPP, CSM, CTF, DISSC, DSU, DTF, Forum Against Repression Telangana, Fraternity, IAPL, Innocence Network, Karnataka Janashakti, LAA, Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, Mazdoor Patrika, NAPM, Nazariya Magazine , Nishant Natya Manch, Nowruz, NTUI, People’s Watch, Rihai Manch, Samajwadi Janparishad, Smajwadi lok manch, Bahujan Samjavadi Mnach, SFI, United Peace Alliance, WSS, Y4S)