Supreme Court Overturns NSA Detention of Sambhal Violence Suspect, Penalizes UP Government

The Supreme Court of India has nullified the detention of Mulla Afroz, who was accused of orchestrating the violent clashes that erupted in Sambhal in November 2024. This decision was delivered by a bench consisting of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu, emphasizing that a confessional statement alone cannot justify detention under the National Security Act (NSA) without examining the broader context of the situation.

Mulla Afroz was apprehended approximately 54 days after the outbreak of violence, which resulted in five fatalities. The Allahabad High Court had previously granted him bail; however, the Uttar Pradesh government subsequently invoked the NSA on October 13, 2025, based on a confession made during his police custody. The NSA allows for detention without trial for a duration of up to one year, a provision that has drawn criticism for its potential misuse.

The Sambhal violence, which occurred on November 24, 2024, was ignited by a dispute following a survey ordered to ascertain the historical status of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi town. This survey was initiated as part of a legal claim asserting that the mosque, erected in 1526 by Mughal emperor Babar, was built over the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to confrontations between various groups and ultimately resulting in tragic loss of life, with local residents alleging that four of the deceased were victims of police gunfire.

In a significant rebuke of the Uttar Pradesh government’s actions, the Supreme Court not only quashed Afroz’s NSA detention but also imposed a hefty fine of ₹10 lakh. The bench criticized the state for its “illegal” detainment and highlighted the necessity for government authorities to act judiciously when invoking national security laws. This ruling reinforces the principle that detentions must be grounded in credible evidence and not solely on confessions, particularly when such statements could be coerced.

The Supreme Court’s decision is a critical affirmation of individual rights within the Indian judicial system and serves as a reminder of the balance that must be maintained between national security interests and the legal protections afforded to individuals. As the nation continues to grapple with issues surrounding communal tensions and the invocation of stringent laws, this ruling may set a precedent for future cases where the application of the NSA is contested.

Source: scroll.in