Law & Justice
Supreme Court Rebukes UP Officials for Misuse of NSA Against Student Activist
The Supreme Court has strongly criticized authorities in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, for invoking the National Security Act (NSA) against a student activist without sufficient evidence, reminding officials that their allegiance lies with the Constitution rather than the political establishment.
In a 15-page order made public recently, the court quashed the NSA detention of Chaudhary, a 24-year-old history graduate, and awarded her Rs 5 lakh in compensation on September 2. The ruling delivered pointed criticism of the local administration and police for applying the stringent preventive detention law without adequate supporting material.
The bench cautioned that when officials act in disregard of their constitutional obligations, they risk being seen as remnants of colonial-era oppression, which could fuel civil unrest. The court warned that such conduct by errant bureaucrats could push Uttar Pradesh toward what it described as an "Orwellian Dystopia."
The judges were especially critical of Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam, who had approved the detention order. The court noted that since the police dossier contained only unproven allegations without credible evidence, the district magistrate should have thoroughly examined the records before resorting to the extraordinary powers granted under the NSA.
Chaudhary had been arrested in connection with cases stemming from a workers' protest in Noida in April 2026. On May 13, Uttar Pradesh Police invoked the NSA against her and activist-journalist Satya Verma, both of whom were among several individuals detained in relation to the protest demanding higher wages.