The Allahabad High Court has issued a significant decision in the case related to the workers’ protest in Noida. The court has issued an order halting proceedings under the National Security Act (NSA) against Delhi University student and activist Akriti Chaudhary. The court has directed the administration to revoke the NSA proceedings against Delhi University student and activist Akriti Chaudhary and release her.
Heard by a bench of Justices Atul Shridharan and Achal Sachdev
The case was heard by a bench of Justices Atul Shridharan and Achal Sachdev, and this decision was made by this bench. This court decision has provided significant legal relief to Akriti Chaudhary. While the court decided to revoke the NSA, serious questions were raised in the court regarding the administration’s actions.
When is the case?
This entire case dates back to April 2026. In April 2026, a labor protest took place in Noida. Workers took to the streets to press for their demands, and they demonstrated deliberately. During this period, the situation deteriorated to the point where violence broke out in some parts of Noida. Following this, the police initiated action against several people involved in the protests. During this action, Akriti Chaudhary was also named as an accused, and the administration arrested her. Akriti was arrested at a metro station. The administration alleged that she incited the workers, leading to the violent protests. Based on these allegations, she was detained under the NSA. However, when the matter reached the High Court, the court seriously examined the administration’s claims, questioning them, and asked the administration to provide evidence.
The question was: what concrete basis does the administration have to link Akriti Chaudhary to the violence? Does the video in which Akriti is inciting the workers exist? The court asked whether any chats exist. The court stated that mere allegations are not enough. To restrict a person’s freedom under such a serious law, both strong material and legal process are necessary. During the hearing, the court sought information from the police and the government regarding the alleged video, WhatsApp chats, and other evidence. However, the police were unable to provide any. The court also wanted to know what material actually proved Akriti’s alleged role in the events the administration had based its case on. However, the police were unable to provide any evidence. The court requested time, which the court refused, and put a stay on the NSA action against Akriti. The court also ordered compensation of five lakh rupees to Akriti Chaudhary. This compensation will be paid by the government. This decision is also being widely discussed. According to the court order, this amount will be paid from the salary of Gautam Buddha Nagar District Magistrate Medha Rupam. This means that she will pay this compensation from her salary.
