Noida Protest: CITU Flays UP Admin Move to ‘Police’ and ‘Criminalise’ Labour Rights

New Delhi: Condemning the Uttar Pradesh government’s move to “criminalise labour rights” by deputing a DCP for “industry” in Gautam Budhh Nagar after the recent workers’ protest, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Delhi, has called for immediate withdrawal of the police officer.

In a statement, CITU said this would set a “dangerous precedent” with regard to worker rights, and demanded assurance for the state government that police will not interfere in lawful trade union activities or industrial disputes.

Instead of trying intimidatory tactics, the government should strengthen labour departments and conciliation mechanisms to address workers’ grievances. Also, dialogue with trade unions should be initiated to resolve the issues that led to the recent protests in Noida.

“By creating a dedicated police post for “industry,” the Uttar Pradesh administration is effectively blurring the line between civil dispute resolution and criminal enforcement, thereby opening the door to the routine criminalisation of workers’ struggles,” read the statement.

Read the full statement below:

PRESS RELEASE

Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)

Delhi State Committee

Date: 30 April 2026

CITU Condemns Deployment of DCP for “Industry” in Gautam Buddh Nagar: A Dangerous Step Toward Criminalising Labour Rights

The Delhi State Committee of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) strongly condemns the recent decision of the Uttar Pradesh Police to depute a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) specifically to “look after Industry” in Gautam Buddh Nagar following the recent spontaneous protests by workers in the region. This move represents a deeply troubling and unconstitutional shift toward the policing of industrial relations.

At the outset, CITU asserts that labour and industrial disputes are civil and economic matters, governed by well-established legal frameworks such as the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. These laws provide for conciliation officers, labour courts, and industrial tribunals to resolve disputes through dialogue and adjudication. The introduction of a police authority into this domain is legally untenable and institutionally inappropriate.

The Constitution of India guarantees under Article 19(1)(c) the right to form associations, including trade unions. Workers’ collective actions, including protests and strikes within the framework of law, are legitimate expressions of this right. The deputation of a DCP for industry risks chilling these constitutional freedoms by subjecting lawful labour activity to coercive police oversight. Such a move also raises serious concerns under Articles 14 and 21, which prohibit arbitrary state action and ensure due process.

CITU emphasises that the role of the police in a democratic setup is limited to maintaining public order and preventing cognizable offences. It does not extend to supervising, regulating, or intervening in industrial disputes. By creating a dedicated police post for “industry,” the Uttar Pradesh administration is effectively blurring the line between civil dispute resolution and criminal enforcement, thereby opening the door to the routine criminalisation of workers’ struggles.

This decision is particularly alarming in the context of the recent spontaneous protests by workers in Gautam Buddh Nagar. Instead of addressing the legitimate grievances of workers—relating to wages, working conditions, and job security—the state appears to be responding with heightened surveillance and coercive preparedness. This approach undermines the very objective of labour laws, which is to promote industrial peace through negotiation, not suppression.

Furthermore, the creation of such a police role risks fostering a perception of institutional bias in favour of employers and industrial interests, given the close interface between police, administration, and industrial authorities. This will erode workers’ trust in the neutrality of the state and weaken the collective bargaining process.

CITU also warns that this move sets a dangerous precedent. If replicated elsewhere, it could lead to the emergence of a parallel policing structure for labour, effectively bypassing the statutory labour machinery. This would result in jurisdictional confusion, duplication of authority, and erosion of specialised institutions such as labour departments and industrial tribunals.

We demand the following:

1. Immediate withdrawal of the decision to depute a DCP for “industry” in Gautam Buddh Nagar.

2. Assurance that police will not interfere in lawful trade union activities or industrial disputes.

3. Strengthening of labour departments and conciliation mechanisms to address workers’ grievances.

4. Dialogue with trade unions to resolve the issues that led to the recent protests.

CITU reiterates that industrial peace cannot be achieved through policing and coercion. It can only be built through respect for workers’ rights, adherence to labour laws, and genuine engagement with trade unions.

Virender Gaur (President)

Aniyan P.V. (General Secretary)