Noida Workers' Protest: Allahabad HC Quashes NSA Detention Of Aakriti Chaudhary, Orders ₹5 Lakh Compensation

The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday quashed the detention of Delhi University graduate Aakriti Chaudhary under the National Security Act (NSA) who, the State government alleged, had incited protesters to indulge in violence during the Noida workers' protest in April.

A division bench of Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Achal Sachdev passed the order in Chaudhary's habeas corpus petition challenging her continued detention under the NSA. Court directed that she be released forthwith, unless required in any other case.

Court has directed the DM Noida to pay Chaudhary a compensation of ₹5 lakh.

Court's direction came after, on Tuesday, it questioned the material relied upon by the State to attribute a specific role to Chaudhary in the violence.

What evidence links Chaudhary to the alleged violence?

During the hearing on Tuesday, the bench asked the State to identify the material showing that Chaudhary had called upon protesters to throw stones or set vehicles on fire.

The State referred to witness statements implicating her. However, court questioned whether the allegations were supported by the videography of the protest.

The bench specifically asked the State to show where the footage depicted Chaudhary allegedly "bhadka rahi hain" or instigating protesters.

Court also questioned the State after being informed that the chargesheet had already been filed.

Justice Sreedharan observed that, once the chargesheet was filed, the authorities should have examined where the witnesses had specifically named Chaudhary.

"Once the chargesheet is filed, you should have seen where the witnesses have named her," the Judge remarked.

The State then sought time to obtain and place the video footage before the court.

The bench, however, declined to grant further time, with Justice Sreedharan pointing out that Chaudhary had already spent around five months in custody.

"I won't give time. She has been in jail for 5 months," the Judge said.

The State then requested that the matter be taken up the following day i.e. September 2, at 10 am. Court agreed to it.

Court had also directed that if the State was not available at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, it would commence dictating the order based on the submissions made until then and the records of the case.

Why is Chaudhary in custody?

Chaudhary is a history graduate from Delhi University. She was arrested in connection with cases arising from the workers' protest in Noida in April 2026 and was subsequently detained under the NSA.

The Uttar Pradesh government invoked the NSA against Chaudhary and journalist Satyam Verma on May 13. They were among seven activists arrested in connection with different cases arising from the protest.

At the time, Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh had claimed that the police possessed "strong electronic and videographic evidence" against Chaudhary, Verma and several others arrested in connection with the cases.

The habeas corpus proceedings before the high court concerned the legality of Chaudhary's continued detention.

Noida workers' protest

The protest in Noida was held by workers in April 2026 over their demands concerning employment and labour-related issues. The demonstrations later turned violent, with incidents of stone-pelting and damage to vehicles reported during clashes. The police subsequently registered multiple cases against protesters and others allegedly involved in the violence. Chaudhary's detention under the NSA stemmed from the allegations that she played a role in instigating protesters during the demonstrations.

Case Title: AKRITI CHAUDHARY vs. UNION OF INDIA AND 4 OTHERS

Hearing Date: September 1, 2026

Bench: Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Achal Sachdev