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In early August 2026, activist Tehseen Poonawalla alleged that he was placed under house arrest by authorities ahead of a planned march protesting the government's introduction of E20 ethanol fuel policy. The claim has drawn significant attention as it highlights tensions between civil society actors and government policy enforcement in India. Poonawalla and supporters argue the house arrest was an attempt to suppress democratic protest against a policy they contend may have adverse economic and environmental consequences. The incident also triggered criticism from political leaders including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who openly criticized the central government’s handling of the protest and the alleged restriction of activists' freedoms. The episode underscores ongoing political contestation in India over energy policy, environmental concerns, and civil liberties, amidst a broader context of growing civic activism and governmental responses.