Supreme Court Challenge: Gautam Buddh Nagar DM Fights Compensation Ruling Over Student Detention

In a significant legal development, Gautam Buddh Nagar district magistrate Medha Roopam has appealed to the Supreme Court against a High Court ruling that ordered a Rs 5 lakh salary deduction due to the unlawful detention of a student under the National Security Act. The High Court had quashed the detention of Akriti Chaudhary, criticizing the bureaucratic actions that led to her arrest during the Noida workers' protests. This case raises important questions about the responsibilities of officials and the protection of citizens' rights in a democratic society. The outcome of this appeal could have far-reaching implications for governance and civil liberties in Uttar Pradesh.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 13, 2026, 16:17 IST

Legal Battle Over Detention Compensation

New Delhi: Medha Roopam, the district magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar, has approached the Supreme Court to contest an order from the Allahabad High Court. This ruling mandated a deduction of Rs 5 lakh from her salary due to the detention of a student under the National Security Act during the protests by workers in Noida back in April.

On September 2, the High Court annulled the detention of Akriti Chaudhary, a 25-year-old history graduate from Delhi University, who was arrested in connection with the protests.

The court granted Chaudhary's habeas corpus petition, stating that her detention was based on a fabricated narrative by the state and ordered her immediate release unless there were other valid charges against her.

The High Court criticized Roopam's handling of the detention order, warning that ongoing 'tyrannical' actions by 'misguided' officials could lead Uttar Pradesh into a dystopian reality reminiscent of Orwell's works.

Additionally, the court awarded Chaudhary Rs 5 lakh in compensation, instructing that this amount be deducted from Roopam's salary, along with other officials involved, down to the station house officer.

On September 9, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that an appeal would be lodged against the High Court's decision to overturn the detention order.

Chaudhary's arrest was part of a broader crackdown on activists during the Noida workers' protests in April 2026, with the Uttar Pradesh Police invoking the NSA against her and journalist-activist Satya Verma on May 13.

The High Court's ruling included critical remarks about the responsibilities of bureaucrats and police, emphasizing that they hold significant power and must prioritize the constitutional rights and welfare of citizens.

The court reiterated that bureaucrats owe their allegiance to the constitution rather than political figures, reminding them that in a democracy, the people are the true authority.

It also ordered that the High Court's reprimand of the district magistrate and police officials involved be noted in their service records.