The Delhi High Court on Tuesday clarified that Kshatriya Karni Sena president Dr Raj Shekhawat is free to move around, while stressing that any participation by him in a protest must be in accordance with the law.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Vikas Mahajan passed the order while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Shekhawat, who alleged that he had been illegally confined at a friend’s residence in Delhi.
Shekhawat’s counsel submitted that he had been prevented from leaving the premises since August 24 and was effectively placed under house arrest to prevent him from participating in a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar. The demonstration was linked to a nationwide awareness campaign concerning the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.
The Delhi Police, however, informed the Court that Shekhawat had neither been arrested nor detained in connection with any case. At the same time, the police expressed apprehension that he might proceed to Jantar Mantar to participate in the proposed protest.
After considering the submissions, the Bench recorded that Shekhawat was “free to move around”. However, it made clear that any participation in a protest would have to be subject to the applicable law and regulations.
In view of the police’s categorical stand that Shekhawat was not in custody, the Court found no immediate grounds to issue directions for his production or release in the habeas corpus proceedings.
The order followed competing claims concerning Shekhawat’s alleged confinement and the police’s concerns over his proposed participation in the public demonstration.
The Bench has listed the matter for further hearing on September 1.
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