Protesters demanding clean air were detained in New Delhi, prompting Congress to criticize the government for failing to address air pollution. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle for environmental rights in India.

On November 9, 2025, a protest took place at India Gate in New Delhi, where citizens, including parents and environmental activists, demanded urgent government action to combat worsening air quality. The police detained several protesters for assembling without permission, leading to criticism from the Congress party. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh argued that citizens were merely fulfilling their constitutional duty to protect the environment. Rahul Gandhi also condemned the government's actions, stating that the right to clean air and peaceful protest are fundamental rights. He called for immediate action on air pollution, highlighting its detrimental effects on public health and future generations. The police defended the detentions as preventive, citing that only designated areas like Jantar Mantar are approved for protests.