Press Club of India Calls for Withdrawal of NSA Against Journalist Satyam Verma
Press Club of India urges Uttar Pradesh govt. to withdraw NSA against journalist Satyam Verma
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
The Press Club of India (PCI) has condemned the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against journalist Satyam Verma, editor of Mazdoor Bigul Dasta magazine. The PCI demands his release, arguing that reporting on workers' rights is a fundamental aspect of journalism and should not be criminalized.
- 01Satyam Verma was arrested on April 19, 2026, for allegedly inciting workers' protests in Noida.
- 02The PCI highlighted that the NSA was invoked against Verma nearly a month after his arrest.
- 03Akriti Chauhan, an activist, is also facing charges under the NSA, according to the PCI's statement.
- 04Verma has a history of reporting on labor issues, advocating for workers' rights in India.
- 05The Allahabad High Court previously flagged misuse of the NSA in 94 out of 120 habeas corpus petitions.
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On May 15, 2026, the Press Club of India (PCI) expressed strong disapproval of the Uttar Pradesh police's decision to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against Satyam Verma, the editor of Mazdoor Bigul Dasta magazine. Verma was arrested on April 19, accused of inciting protests among workers in Noida demanding better wages and working conditions. The PCI urged the Uttar Pradesh government to retract the NSA charges and release Verma, emphasizing that journalism focused on labor rights is essential in a democratic society. The organization condemned the misuse of the NSA, which has also been applied to activist Akriti Chauhan. The PCI pointed out that Verma's detention is part of a broader pattern of intimidation against journalists and activists reporting on labor issues. It referenced a 2021 report from the Indian Express, which revealed that the Allahabad High Court had flagged a significant number of NSA cases as misused by law enforcement agencies. The PCI's statement underscores the need for protecting journalistic freedom and the rights of workers in India.
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The invocation of the NSA against journalists may create a chilling effect on press freedom in Uttar Pradesh, deterring journalists from reporting on labor issues.
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