The Delhi Police Commissioner has been authorised to exercise the powers of a detaining authority under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, for a period of three months, according to a notification issued by the Delhi government's Home (Police-II) Department.
The authorisation will remain in force from July 19, 2026, to October 18, 2026.
The notification, issued on July 15, states that the authorisation has been granted under Section 3(3) read with Section 2(e) of the National Security Act.
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"During the period 19/07/2026 to 18/10/2026, the Commissioner of Police, Delhi may also exercise the powers of detaining authority under sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the aforesaid Act," the notification said.
The National Security Act empowers designated authorities to order preventive detention in specified cases involving national security, the maintenance of public order, or the maintenance of essential supplies and services, subject to the provisions of the Act.
Soon after the notification began circulating on social media, the Delhi Police issued a clarification, saying claims that the order was issued to suppress the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests were "misleading."
According to the police, the notification is a routine quarterly extension of powers under the National Security Act that is renewed every three months as part of the standard administrative process.
"The current renewal order was issued on 07.07.2026 for the period 19.07.2026 to 18.10.2026, well before the commencement of the CJP protests. No special request or order was initiated in connection with the recent events," the Delhi Police said.
