Allahabad High Court Overturns NSA Detention of Noida Protest Activist

The Allahabad High Court has annulled the National Security Act (NSA) detention of Aakriti Chaudhary, a 25-year-old activist and graduate from Delhi University, who has been incarcerated for nearly five months following her involvement in a significant workers’ protest in Noida earlier this year. The verdict, delivered by a bench comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Achal Sachdev, described the grounds for her detention as a “concocted story” fabricated by the Uttar Pradesh government.

In a notable ruling, the court not only quashed the NSA charges but also mandated that the Noida authorities compensate Chaudhary with ₹5 lakh for her unjust detention. Despite this relief, Chaudhary remains behind bars as she awaits bail on other charges related to the same protests, which escalated into violent confrontations.

The protests, which occurred on April 13, saw a massive turnout of approximately 40,000 to 45,000 workers rallying across the city’s industrial sectors. They were advocating for wage increases amid rising gas prices exacerbated by supply chain disruptions linked to ongoing conflicts in West Asia. The situation took a turn for the worse when the demonstration devolved into violence, with footage circulating on social media depicting protesters clashing with law enforcement, vandalizing property, and throwing stones.

In the aftermath of the chaos, more than 350 individuals were apprehended, and Chaudhary, alongside 60-year-old Satya Verma, was charged by the Uttar Pradesh police under various laws, including the NSA, which allows for extended detention without trial. However, the recent judicial intervention has raised questions about the state’s use of such stringent measures against activists, especially in the context of peaceful protests.

This ruling has reignited discussions surrounding civil liberties and the right to protest in India, particularly as workers’ movements gain momentum in addressing socio-economic issues. As the legal battle continues, Chaudhary’s case highlights the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding those rights against potential governmental overreach.

Source: scroll.in