Noida workers’ protest: HC seeks state’s response on plea challenging journalist’s detention

The Allahabad High Court on Friday sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government on a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of former journalist Satyam Verma, who was detained in connection with the April 13 Noida workers’ protest, Live Law reported.

A bench of Justices Salil Kumar Rai and Devendra Singh-I issued notice to the state and posted the matter for hearing on July 13.

The habeas corpus petition, filed by Verma’s wife, challenged his detention and alleged procedural irregularities in the detention and custodial transfer. The plea also sought his release from custody and that the electronic and documentary evidence related to his detention be preserved, the legal news outlet reported.

The 60-year-old former journalist from Lucknow was among two persons detained under the National Security Act on May 13. The Act allows for long periods of detention without trial up to a year.

Verma and 25-year-old Aakriti Chaudhary are members of the Mazdoor Bigul Dasta, a workers’ organisation.

The police alleged that the role played by the two was “significant in instigating violence, arson and creating chaos” during the protest. Verma and Chaudhary “provoked” persons in different areas to “disturb public order”, the police alleged.

The police have also alleged that Verma received money from foreign accounts to incite the violence.

The detention order further accused...

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