- SC quashed NSA detention of Sambhal violence accused Mulla Afroz.
- Detention solely based on confession is illegal under NSA.
- Uttar Pradesh government fined Rs 10 lakh for unlawful order.
Sambhal Violence Case: In a major setback for Uttar Pradesh government in the Sambhal violence case, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asserted that an accused cannot be detained under the National Security Act (NSA) solely on the base of their confession statement. Earlier in October 2025, the UP police had invoked the NSA against Afroz for his alleged role in the 2024 communal violence in Sambhal.
SC Imposes Fine On UP Govt
While quashing the preventive detention of the accused Mulla Afroz, a bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu stated that the detention was illegal. The apex court also imposed a cost of Rs 10 lakh on the state government for passing the detention order.
Earlier on September 8, while reserving orders, the top court questioned the relevance of the custodial confessions, further asking whether an individual can be detained under the NSA solely based on his statement. Mulla Afroz, the accused and petitioner, was arrested after around 54 days of the Sambhal violence in which at least four people died.
Arrest On The Basis Of Confession
As per the state police, Afroz was arrested on the basis of a confession made while in police custody. While he was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court, the authorities passed a detention order against him on October 13 under the security act.
ALSO READ: Will Unpaid Traffic Challans Be Added To Electricity Bills? Here Is What Supreme Court Said
Ahead of approaching the apex court seeking relief, Afroz claimed that the police had opened fire, further alleging that his aspect was not fairly investigated. He further asserted that the security act was imposed solely on the basis of his remarks, adding that the due process was not followed.
What Sate Govt Said?
However, while defending the detention order, the state government relied on the "likelihood" of the petitioner causing violence. The apex court, upon listening to the argument of the state, asserted that the detention was illegal, further imposing a fine of Rs 10 Lakh.