Protesters Detained Over ECI Protests Ordered to Be Released: Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court at Goa on 11 October 2026 ordered the immediate release of seven people detained at Azad Maidan in Panaji while seeking to hold a public gathering or protest.

The order was passed in Writ Petition No. 2830 of 2026 (F), along with connected Writ Petition No. 2831 of 2026 (F). The petition sought the release of the seven detainees, who were allegedly taken to Pernem Police Station without being given reasons for their detention.

The petitioners stated that the State Government had not issued any prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) banning gatherings at Azad Maidan.

Court examines police action

The police informed the court that the seven people had applied for permission to hold a public gathering, but the Collector, North Goa, Panaji, had rejected the application on 9 October 2026. The rejection concerned a public gathering or protest scheduled for 11 October 2026.

According to the police, the seven were detained after entering Azad Maidan despite the rejection and were being produced before the Panaji Sub-Divisional Magistrate.

The bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit S. Jamsandekar noted that no prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS had been issued. It observed that the detention might not have been authorised. The court was also informed that Executive Magistrate Dattaprasad Toraskar had orally instructed the police to detain the seven people.

Immediate release ordered

Without deciding the controversy over the legality of the detention, the court directed the Panaji Police Station's Police Inspector to release all seven immediately after the petitioners' senior advocate undertook that they would not protest at Azad Maidan that night.

The court recorded the undertaking as follows: “This Undertaking given is without prejudice to the rights and contentions raised by the detainees.”

The court also directed that any detainee volunteering for a medical examination that night be taken to the Casualty Medical Officer at Goa Medical College, Bambolim. The officer was required to prepare a report for the next hearing, with examination results or any hurt certificate to be submitted under sealed cover.

Further hearing scheduled

The court listed the matter for 12 October 2026 at noon and directed the Police Inspectors of Panaji and Pernem police stations, along with the Executive Magistrate, to file affidavits.

Case Details

Case Title: Adv Malisa Zemira Simoes and Anr vs The State of Goa through Public Prosecutor

Case Number: Writ Petition No. 2830 of 2026 (F), with Writ Petition No. 2831 of 2026 (F)

Judge or Bench: Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit S. Jamsandekar

Decision Date: 11 October 2026