Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam has approached the Supreme Court against an Allahabad High Court order that criticised the detention of Delhi University graduate Akriti Chaudhary under the National Security Act and directed recovery of ₹5 lakh in compensation from the salaries of officials involved in the case.
The legal challenge follows a September 2 judgment in which the Allahabad High Court quashed Chaudhary’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA).
Chaudhary, a 25-year-old history graduate from Delhi University, had been detained in connection with cases arising from a workers’ protest in Noida in April 2026. The Uttar Pradesh Police subsequently invoked the NSA against Chaudhary and activist-journalist Satya Verma on May 13.
Allahabad High Court Quashed Akriti Chaudhary’s Detention
The High Court allowed Chaudhary’s habeas corpus petition challenging her detention and ordered her release, provided she was not required in another case.
In its judgment, the court strongly criticised the basis on which the detention order had been issued. It described the state’s version of events as a “concocted” story and questioned the manner in which the detention proceedings were conducted.
The court also expressed serious concern over the conduct of the administrative and police officials involved.
It warned that continued “despotic” conduct by what it described as “errant” bureaucracy could push Uttar Pradesh towards what it termed an “Orwellian dystopia.”
Court Orders ₹5 Lakh Compensation
The High Court awarded ₹5 lakh in compensation to Chaudhary.
It directed that the amount be recovered from the salary of Medha Roopam, who had passed the detention order, along with other officials considered responsible for the proceedings, extending down to the station house officer.
The court additionally directed that its displeasure with the district magistrate and police officers involved in preparing the detention dossier be recorded in their service records.
Medha Roopam Challenges the High Court Judgment
Roopam has now moved the Supreme Court against the Allahabad High Court’s decision.
The development comes after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta indicated before the Supreme Court on September 9 that an appeal would be filed against the High Court judgment.
The Supreme Court’s consideration of the matter will determine whether the High Court’s findings and directions are ultimately upheld, modified or set aside.
Student Was Detained Over Noida Workers’ Protest
Chaudhary’s detention arose from cases linked to a workers’ protest in Noida in April 2026.
The protest was described as a peaceful demonstration seeking higher wages. Several activists were arrested in connection with cases related to the demonstration.
The NSA was subsequently invoked against Chaudhary and Satya Verma on May 13.
The High Court’s ruling therefore addressed not only Chaudhary’s individual detention but also raised broader concerns about the use of preventive detention powers and the responsibility of public officials when exercising them.
Court Stresses Constitutional Responsibility of Officials
In its judgment, the High Court made strong observations about the responsibilities of the bureaucracy and police.
The court noted that public officials are entrusted with extensive powers because they are expected to protect citizens’ constitutional and legal rights, as well as their dignity, honour and welfare.
It also emphasised that government officials must remember that their “loyalty is towards the constitution and not the political executive.”
The court further described bureaucrats as servants of the people, who are “the masters in a democracy.”
The observations underline the judiciary’s concern that administrative authority must remain subject to constitutional safeguards and legal accountability.
Supreme Court Appeal Now Pending
With Medha Roopam challenging the High Court’s order, the dispute has moved into its next judicial stage.
The Supreme Court will now have to consider the challenge to the Allahabad High Court’s findings concerning Chaudhary’s NSA detention and the directions relating to compensation and the officials involved.
Until the Supreme Court rules on the appeal, the High Court judgment remains the operative judicial finding in the matter.
