Archive · 20 Aug 2026
NSA Cited as Noida Protesters Face Bail Denials
Workers in Noida protested for higher wages, and some protests later became violent.
Many people arrested in connection with the protests have received bail.
However, some people were denied bail because police accused them of being part of a conspiracy.
Police referred to books they had read and messages on WhatsApp.
Police also mentioned their participation in Gaza and NRC protests.
In one case, police called a person an “andolanjeevi,” meaning someone seen as frequently joining protests.
On May 13, the government used the National Security Act against Satyam Verma and Aakriti Chaudhary.
That law can allow detention for up to one year without a trial.
Nearly eight in 10 people arrested in the Noida labour protests have received bail.
Those denied bail face allegations of involvement in an alleged conspiracy.
Police cited books, WhatsApp messages, and participation in Gaza and NRC protests as evidence.
Police used the term “andolanjeevi” in one case involving a protester.
The National Security Act was invoked against Satyam Verma and Aakriti Chaudhary on May 13.
- Who
- Arrested Noida labour protesters, including activists, former journalist Satyam Verma, and Delhi University graduate Aakriti Chaudhary.
- What
- Some protesters were denied bail, and the National Security Act was invoked against Satyam Verma and Aakriti Chaudhary.
- When
- The NSA was invoked on May 13, nearly a month after the protests turned violent; a protest photograph is dated April 13, 2026.
- Where
- Noida, in Gautam Buddh Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh; Verma is from Lucknow and Chaudhary is from Durgapur, West Bengal.
- Why
- Police alleged that those denied bail were involved in a conspiracy and cited books, WhatsApp texts, and prior protest participation.
- Bail outcome
- Nearly eight of every 10 people arrested have received bail.
- Common allegation
- Those denied bail are accused of an alleged role in a conspiracy.
- Evidence cited
- Police cited books read, WhatsApp texts, and participation in Gaza and NRC protests.
- NSA detainee
- Satyam Verma is described as a 60-year-old former journalist from Lucknow.
- Second NSA detainee
- Aakriti Chaudhary is described as a 25-year-old Delhi University graduate from Durgapur.
- Detention law
- The National Security Act permits detention for up to a year without trial.
- Protest context
- Factory workers protested in Noida demanding higher wages.