New Delhi, September 13: Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam has approached the Supreme Court challenging an Allahabad High Court order that directed recovery of ₹5 lakh in compensation from her salary over the detention of a student under the National Security Act (NSA).
On September 2, the Allahabad High Court quashed the NSA detention of Akriti Chaudhary, a 25-year-old Delhi University history graduate, who had been arrested in connection with the Noida workers’ protest in April.
While allowing Chaudhary’s habeas corpus petition, the court held that her detention was based on a “concocted” story and ordered her release unless she was required in another case.
The High Court had strongly criticised the manner in which the detention order was issued by Roopam. It also warned against what it described as “despotic” conduct by errant bureaucracy.
The court awarded ₹5 lakh compensation to Chaudhary and directed that the amount be recovered from the salaries of the officials responsible for her detention, including the District Magistrate and police officers concerned.
The case stems from the Noida workers’ protest in April 2026, during which several activists were arrested while demanding higher wages. The Uttar Pradesh Police later invoked the NSA against Chaudhary and activist-journalist Satya Verma on May 13.
On September 9, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that an appeal would be filed against the High Court’s decision quashing the detention order.
The High Court, in its judgment, also stressed that bureaucrats and police officers have a responsibility to protect citizens’ constitutional and legal rights, dignity and welfare.
It observed that officials’ “loyalty is towards the constitution and not the political executive” and reminded them that they are public servants in a democracy.
The court further directed that its displeasure with the District Magistrate and police officers involved in preparing the detention dossier be recorded in their service records.
