5 hrs ago
Allahabad High Court Quashes NSA Detention in Noida Protest Case
Aakriti Chaudhary was jailed under a strict law after a workers’ protest in Noida became violent.
The police said she helped encourage people to throw stones, set fires and cause disorder.
Her lawyers argued that the government did not show enough evidence for this special detention.
The Allahabad High Court agreed and cancelled the detention order.
The judges said the government’s story appeared fabricated or concocted.
They also ordered Noida authorities to pay her Rs 5 lakh.
This does not automatically mean she leaves jail, because she faces other cases.
The protest involved workers demanding higher wages.
Reports also differed over her name, the date of her arrest and the identity of another activist mentioned in the case.
The Allahabad High Court quashed Aakriti Chaudhary’s detention under the National Security Act.
The court described the Uttar Pradesh government’s account as a “concocted” or “fabricated story.”
The court ordered Noida authorities to pay Chaudhary Rs 5 lakh in compensation.
Police accused Chaudhary and Satya Verma of inciting violence, arson and disorder during the workers’ protest.
Although the NSA detention was quashed, Chaudhary may remain jailed because of other cases in which bail has not been secured.
- Who
- Aakriti Chaudhary, a 25-year-old Delhi University history graduate and member of the Mazdoor Bigul Dasta, was detained; police also named Satya Verma in connection with the case.
- What
- The Allahabad High Court quashed Chaudhary’s detention under the National Security Act and ordered Rs 5 lakh compensation.
- Where
- The case concerns workers’ protests in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and was heard by the Allahabad High Court.
- When
- The ruling was reported on Tuesday and Wednesday, after Chaudhary had spent nearly five months in jail; the protest occurred on April 13, with one report specifying April 13, 2026.
- Why
- The court found that the government had not adequately substantiated the allegations or lawful basis for the NSA detention.
Court and Defense View
Police and Uttar Pradesh Government View
Basis for detention
Court and Defense View
The court said Chaudhary’s detention rested on a “concocted” or “fabricated” account and that the government failed to provide concrete evidence justifying NSA detention.
Police and Uttar Pradesh Government View
The police and state alleged that Chaudhary played a significant role in instigating violence, arson and disorder during the protest.
Evidence of incitement
Court and Defense View
The court questioned where the record showed that Chaudhary called on protesters to throw stones or set vehicles on fire, and sought videos and other supporting material.
Police and Uttar Pradesh Government View
The government alleged that Chaudhary incited workers through social media and encouraged arson and stone-pelting; it said a charge sheet had been filed.
Arrest and procedural compliance
Court and Defense View
The court questioned whether Chaudhary was arrested before being served the relevant notice, and examined whether required peace-and-public-order procedures had been followed.
Police and Uttar Pradesh Government View
The government said Chaudhary was arrested on April 12 at 10:56 a.m. and served a notice under Section 130 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Key facts
- Detainee
- Aakriti Chaudhary, 25, a Delhi University history graduate from Durgapur, West Bengal
- Law invoked
- National Security Act, which permits detention without trial for extended periods, potentially up to one year
- Court ruling
- The Allahabad High Court quashed Chaudhary’s NSA detention order
- Compensation
- Rs 5 lakh ordered for Chaudhary
- Protest demand
- Workers sought higher salaries during a demonstration in Noida
- Arrests after violence
- More than 350 people were arrested on April 14, according to one report
- Other legal cases
- Chaudhary may remain in jail because she has not obtained bail in other protest-related cases
Quotes
Gautam Buddha Nagar police commissionerate
The police commissionerate responsible for Gautam Buddha Nagar district, including Noida
“The two have been identified as active members of the Mazdoor Bigul Dasta and were found to have played a significant role in the violence, arson, and disorder during the protest”
indianexpress.com
“Akriti’s detention was based on a ‘fabricated story’ presented by the state. She should be released immediately unless her arrest is necessary in any other case.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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