The Allahabad High Court has quashed the National Security Act (NSA) detention of 25-year-old Aakriti Chaudhary, who had been in custody for around five months in connection with the April 2026 Noida workers’ protest.
A Bench of Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Achal Sachdev allowed her habeas corpus petition and directed her release, unless she was required to be detained in any other case.
Background of the Case
Chaudhary, a Delhi University history graduate, was arrested in connection with cases arising from the Noida workers’ protest. The Uttar Pradesh Police later invoked the NSA against her on May 13, 2026.
The police had alleged that she played a role in instigating protesters during the violence. Chaudhary challenged her continued detention before the High Court.
The Bench had earlier asked the State to produce video evidence showing whether she had instigated protesters to indulge in stone-pelting or set vehicles on fire. The State was also questioned about the material connecting her to the alleged violence.
Court’s Observation
During the hearing, the Bench examined the sequence of Chaudhary’s arrest and the notices issued under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The Court questioned the State’s explanation after examining the General Diary entry and observed that the record appeared to indicate that the arrest had taken place before the notice under Section 130 BNSS was prepared.
The Bench also examined the State’s claim regarding Chaudhary’s alleged role in the protest-related violence. The Court questioned where the material showed that she had called upon protesters to throw stones or set vehicles on fire.
Decision
The High Court held that the detention was based on what it described as a “concocted story” by the State.
Allowing Chaudhary’s habeas corpus petition, the Bench quashed her NSA detention and directed that she be released immediately, provided she was not required in any other case.
