Allahabad Court Demands Uttar Pradesh's Response on Journalist's Arrest

The Allahabad High Court has requested the Uttar Pradesh government to provide its response to a habeas corpus petition concerning journalist Satyam Verma. Verma was detained last month after accusations of inciting factory workers in Noida to protest.

The petition was filed by Verma's wife, challenging his arrest and detention. A judicial bench comprising Justice Salil Kumar Rai and Justice Devendra Singh has scheduled the hearing for July 13 and mandated the state to submit a counter to these claims. The petition alleges procedural lapses in Verma's arrest and demands his release, stressing the need to preserve related evidence.

Verma was initially arrested in Lucknow on April 17. By May 13, he faced additional charges under the National Security Act. Police accused him of fueling unrest among factory workers who were pushing for better wages and work conditions, leading to instances of violence in Noida.

(With inputs from agencies.)