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SC seeks production of two held in Noida labour unrest after family alleges torture
On May 15, 2026, the Supreme Court directed Uttar Pradesh to produce two men arrested in connection with the April 2026 Noida workers’ protests amid allegations of custodial torture. The UP government denied any wrongdoing and asserted that due process was followed, while protests earlier in April led to arrests and subsequent wage-reform announcements. A further hearing is scheduled for May 18, 2026.
Why It Matters
The case highlights allegations of custodial torture amidst industrial unrest and the role of the Supreme Court in overseeing police actions and due process during labour protests.
Timeline
6 Events
Next hearing scheduled for May 18, 2026; production to be discussed
May 15, 2026
The matter will be taken up again on May 18, 2026, when the two arrested men are expected to be produced before the Supreme Court.
UP denies custodial violence; asserts due process and grounds of arrest
May 15, 2026
The Uttar Pradesh government denied all allegations of custodial violence and maintained that due process had been strictly followed. The state's counsel rejected the averments that grounds of arrest were not provided, there was no intimation of arrest, or there was no transit remand, asserting that all procedural requirements were met.
SC directs production of the two arrestees; family alleges torture and seeks independent inquiry
May 15, 2026
The Supreme Court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to produce before it the two men arrested in connection with the April 2026 Noida workers’ protest case. A family representative, identified as Gonsalves in the report, submitted that the family desires an independent investigation and alleged that lawyers attempting to represent the accused faced intimidation and obstruction.
Two men arrested in connection with the Noida protests
April 2026
Two men were arrested in connection with the April 2026 Noida workers’ protest case.
UP government announces revised minimum wage rates and labour welfare measures
April 2026
The Uttar Pradesh government announced revised minimum wage rates and labour welfare measures by the end of April amid growing industrial tensions.
Protests erupt in Noida industrial clusters; workers demand higher wages and better conditions
April 2026
The April protests erupted across industrial clusters in Noida Phase 2 and adjoining areas, with thousands of factory workers demanding higher wages, parity with neighbouring states, overtime compensation and improved working conditions. The agitation escalated into violence after clashes with police, including stone-pelting, arson, vandalism and road blockades. Police used tear gas and force to disperse protesters, and several arrests were made in the aftermath.