India invokes National Security Act to detain activist and student protestors

The Assam state government invoked the National Security Act (NSA) to keep land‑rights activist Pranab Doley in custody despite a court granting him bail. Doley was arrested after protesting a proposed Hyatt luxury hotel near Kaziranga National Park and faced multiple criminal charges. The preventive detention order, issued under Section 3(2) of the NSA, allows the state to hold him without release until further review.

In Delhi, the lieutenant governor invoked the same NSA provision to extend administrative detention powers amid large‑scale student protests over leaked NEET‑UG exam papers. Amnesty International India condemned the move, saying it suspends fair‑trial rights and could be abused. The protests, which have led to suicides and police use of tear gas, prompted the government to extend the NSA order until 18 October.