Prayagraj: A division bench comprising Justice Siddharth and Justice Vinai Kumar Dwivedi of the Allahabad High Court on May 20, 2026, recused itself from hearing a habeas corpus petition concerning journalist Satyam Verma, who was arrested in April on allegations of instigating workers to engage in violence during the Noida labourers’ protest, in the matter titled Satyam Verma v. State of Uttar Pradesh.
The bench directed the Registry to place the petition before the Chief Justice for assignment to an appropriate bench. The matter has now been listed as a fresh case for May 22, 2026.
Background
The habeas corpus petition was filed on behalf of journalist Satyam Verma by his wife, challenging his arrest, detention, subsequent remand, and continued custody in connection with the Noida workers’ protest. The workers had been protesting for a wage hike and improved working conditions.
According to reports, incidents of vehicle burning, trespassing, and stone pelting were reported at several locations on April 13, 2026, following which the police allegedly lathi-charged workers and detained hundreds of workers along with seven activists involved in the protest.
Verma was arrested from Lucknow on April 17, 2026. The Uttar Pradesh Police alleged that he played a significant role in the violence, arson, and spread of disorder during the protest, claiming that he attempted to disrupt public order by provoking people across various areas.
Subsequently, on May 13, 2026, Verma was separately booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), in addition to the charges already registered against him.
Separately, on Verma’s petition challenging his NSA detention, the Supreme Court of India on May 19, 2026, issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, signalling that the matter warrants judicial examination at the highest level.
Key Developments
When the habeas corpus matter was taken up before the division bench, Senior Advocate S.F.A. Naqvi, along with Advocate Shashwat Anand, appeared on behalf of Verma and sought to press the petition on merits.
However, without proceeding to examine the substance of the petition, the bench released the matter and directed the Registry to place it before the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court for nomination of an appropriate bench to hear the case.
The petition filed on Verma’s behalf alleges serious procedural irregularities in both the arrest and custodial transfer process. It seeks Verma’s release from custody along with preservation of all electronic and documentary evidence relating to his detention.
The challenge thus encompasses not only the legality of the initial arrest but also the subsequent remand orders and custody arrangements.
The next date of hearing before the Allahabad High Court is May 22, 2026.
Case Details
Habeas Corpus Petition filed on behalf of Satyam Verma v. State of Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad High Court. Before Justice Siddharth and Justice Vinai Kumar Dwivedi. Hearing dated May 20, 2026. Senior Advocate S.F.A. Naqvi, along with Advocate Shashwat Anand, appeared on behalf of the petitioner. Matter directed to be placed before the Chief Justice for nomination of an appropriate bench.
Next Date: May 22, 2026.
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