India, Nov. 10 -- Dozens of people - parents, concerned citizens, environmental activists and even political leaders - were detained on Sunday at India Gate after they staged a protest at India Gate against the worsening air quality. The protest which began around 5pm was joined by the animal rights activists who were there to show their disapproval over the recent Supreme Court ruling on stray dogs.

Initially, the protest took place amid high police deployment, with Delhi Police saying people had gathered without police permission. Protesters also claimed they had been threatened by the police and were told that they would register FIRs and detain them.

Eventually, dozens of people were detained and, protesters said, moved to an unknow...