The recent arrest of activist Satyam Verma has prompted debate over its implications for the trade union movement and the broader climate for dissent. A group named the Satyam Verma Rihai Manch addressed a press conference at the Press Club of India in New Delhi on 28 April 2026 regarding the arrest of Verma—described as a journalist, translator and public intellectual—along with six others: Aditya Anand, Rupesh Roy, Akriti Chaudhury, Srishti Gupta and Manisha Chauhan.
Speakers at the press conference included Kavita Krishnapallavi, Kavita Srivastava of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Progressive Writers’ Association secretary Vineet Tiwari, journalist Anil Chamadia, social activist Himanshu Kumar and Keshaw Anand. They alleged that Verma was arrested in connection with the Noida workers’ protest violence despite not being present at the site. According to the speakers, the arrest reflects an attempt to curb dissent and link individuals and organisations associated with labour issues to the violence.
Kavita Krishnapallavi outlined a sequence of events leading up to the arrest, alleging that police began questioning Verma in mid-April without formal notice, detained him and others for several days, and conducted searches and seizures at associated premises. She claimed that legal procedures were not followed, including delays in producing him before a court and denial of certain rights. These claims have not been independently verified.
Vineet Tiwari criticised what he described as the criminalisation of activists and called on writers and artists to respond to the situation. Kavita Srivastava stated that PUCL would approach the National Human Rights Commission and alleged violations of established arrest guidelines, including those laid down by the Supreme Court. She also raised concerns about the treatment of detained workers and the role of sections of the media.
Himanshu Kumar and Anil Chamadia linked the arrests to broader questions about labour rights and protest, while Keshaw Anand, speaking about the arrest of his brother Aditya Anand, alleged procedural violations and the fabrication of evidence. He presented material that he said showed the accused appealing for peaceful protest; these claims are contested and remain subject to legal scrutiny.
The developments in Noida have been discussed alongside arrests in Haryana’s Manesar following separate incidents of labour unrest. Police have alleged that those arrested in the Manesar case used digital platforms to incite violence, while families of the accused have denied the allegations. A judicial magistrate has reportedly raised questions about whether due arrest procedures were followed and ordered an inquiry.
On 27 April, a Gurugram court issued a production warrant for Aditya Anand in connection with a Manesar case, while he remains in custody in the Noida-related matter. Some observers and organisations have suggested that investigators may be attempting to establish links between protests in different locations; authorities have not publicly confirmed such a characterisation.
Legal representatives for some of the accused have stated in media interactions that they have not yet been provided with complete documentation related to the arrests, including arrest and seizure memos, and have argued that the evidence presented so far is insufficient. These assertions are part of ongoing legal proceedings.
The incidents have drawn attention to wider issues of labour relations, including contract work, wage disparities, and unionisation, particularly in the automobile sector. The experience of workers associated with Maruti Suzuki since 2011 has frequently been cited in discussions of labour rights, including disputes over employment conditions, the use of contract and fixed-term labour, and the consequences of industrial unrest. In 2012, violence at a Maruti Suzuki plant led to criminal cases against workers and long-running legal battles, as well as dismissals and demands for reinstatement.
Subsequent efforts by workers’ groups in Manesar have focused on issues such as reinstatement, representation of non-permanent workers, and wage parity. A new union of non-permanent workers was formed in January 2025, reflecting ongoing concerns about employment conditions, including the classification of workers, wage differences, and the impact of automation and skill development programmes.
Recent events in Noida and Manesar highlight continuing tensions between labour groups and authorities, with competing claims regarding the causes of unrest, the conduct of protests, and the legality of police action. Several of these matters are currently under investigation or before the courts.
The Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) mobilised workers in Delhi to mark May Day at Ram Lila Maidan. Hundreds of workers assembled with red banners, slogans, and placards demanding an eight-hour workday, minimum wages, double overtime, repeal of the four labour codes, an end to fixed-term employment, and the regularisation of contractual labour.
Participants included workers from Okhla, Mayapuri, Mangolpuri, Noida, Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS, clubs such as DSOI, vocational trainers, and e-rickshaw workers. The march culminated in a mass meeting near Zakir Hussain College.
Speakers highlighted persistent issues faced by India’s working class, particularly in the unorganised sector, including lack of minimum wages, job security, and statutory protections such as provident fund, ESI, and pensions. They criticised contractualisation, unsafe working conditions, and the implementation of the four labour codes, which they said undermine unionisation and promote precarious employment.
Aparna, President of IFTU (National Committee), said recent struggles have demanded enforcement of basic labour laws, including an eight-hour workday, weekly off, and minimum wages. She noted that despite worker protests in Gurgaon, Manesar, Panipat, and Noida, no management has been prosecuted for violations. Rajesh, General Secretary of IFTU (Delhi Committee), said 95% of Delhi’s unorganised workers are denied minimum wages and basic protections, accusing governments of siding with corporate interests.
Poonam, General Secretary of Pragatisheel Mahila Sangathan, pointed to the impact of global crises—including rising fuel costs—on women workers, who face job losses and increased household burdens. She condemned the arrest of more than 300 workers and activists in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and demanded their release.
Other speakers included Umesh (President, Safdarjung Hospital Karmachari Sangharsh Union), Somika (Delhi Vocational Trainers Association), Nirmal Gorana (President, Gig and Platform Workers Union), and Jameel (student organisation PDSU). Songs were performed by Raju, and the meeting was conducted by Jaiprakash, Joint Secretary of IFTU (Delhi Committee).
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*Freelance journalist
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