Allahabad High Court Seeks UP Government’s Response in Journalist Satyam Verma Detention Case
By Rajesh Pandey
The Allahabad High Court on Friday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to submit its response to a habeas corpus petition filed in connection with the detention of journalist Satyam Verma.
Verma was arrested last month and was later booked under the National Security Act (NSA) over allegations that he incited workers during the Noida labour protest that turned violent.
A division bench comprising Justice Salil Kumar Rai and Justice Devendra Singh directed the state government to file a counter affidavit addressing the claims raised in the petition.
The plea, filed by Verma’s wife, challenges the legality of his arrest, detention, remand and continued custody in relation to the cases stemming from the workers’ protest in Noida. The court has scheduled the next hearing for July 13.
In the petition, Verma’s family has alleged significant procedural lapses in the manner of his arrest and subsequent transfer between custodial authorities.
The plea seeks his immediate release and also requests the preservation of all electronic records and documentary evidence related to his detention and custody.
Verma was taken into custody in Lucknow on April 17. Nearly a month later, on May 13, authorities invoked the stringent National Security Act against him, leading to his preventive detention under the law.
According to the Uttar Pradesh Police, Verma played a key role in the unrest that accompanied the workers’ agitation.
Police have alleged that he was involved in provoking people in different areas, contributing to incidents of violence, arson and public disorder, thereby disrupting law and order.
The protest itself was organised by workers demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
According to media reports, tensions escalated on April 13 when incidents of vehicle vandalism, trespassing and stone-pelting were reported in several locations.
Following the unrest, police carried out a lathi-charge and detained hundreds of workers along with seven activists who were allegedly associated with the demonstrations.
The case has since drawn attention from civil rights groups and media observers, with the legal proceedings now focusing on the circumstances surrounding Verma’s arrest and detention, as well as the application of the National Security Act in the matter.
