Facing Alleged Assault and Intimidation, Journalists Hail Supreme Court’s Intervention as a Victory for Press Freedom
9 June 2025, New Delhi
In a significant development for press freedom, the Supreme Court of India has granted interim protection from arrest to two Madhya Pradesh-based journalists — Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chouhan — who have reportedly faced threats and intimidation after uncovering illegal sand mining operations in the ecologically sensitive Chambal region.
The journalists, who are based in Bhind, alleged harassment, including a violent assault allegedly carried out by local police officials. Their investigative reports had brought to light widespread illegal mining activity in the Chambal River belt, a matter of serious environmental and legal concern.
In a detailed petition, Amarkant Singh Chouhan, the bureau chief of Swaraj Express, recounted being summoned by the Bhind Superintendent of Police on May 1 under the guise of an informal talk. However, what followed, he claims, was a brutal physical assault — he was allegedly stripped and beaten in the presence of fellow journalists. On May 4, Chouhan and independent journalist Shashikant Jatav were reportedly misled by a middleman and taken to the SP’s bungalow, where they were pressured to withdraw their complaint.
Fearing for their safety, the two journalists left Bhind for Delhi on May 5 and submitted formal complaints to both the Press Council of India and the National Human Rights Commission. Initially, the Delhi High Court provided interim relief for two months but declined jurisdiction and advised them to approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court. However, given the interstate implications and the gravity of the matter, the journalists moved the Supreme Court.
The apex court took cognizance of the case, issued notices to the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Delhi, and granted interim protection from arrest. This protection serves as a crucial relief for the journalists, who maintain that the legal cases filed against them are retaliatory, designed to suppress their reporting.
In its response, the Madhya Pradesh government denied all allegations and accused the journalists of extortion — a claim the petitioners reject as baseless and vindictive.
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In a joint statement, Chouhan and Jatav emphasized the broader implications of the case:
“This is not just about us. It’s about the fundamental right of journalists to report on issues of public interest without fear or reprisal. We are grateful to the Supreme Court for standing by this principle.”
Supporting the decision, senior journalist Manoj Sharma remarked:
“This case highlights the increasingly hostile environment for investigative journalists working in areas plagued by illegal activities. The court’s intervention is a critical step toward restoring accountability and freedom of the press.”
The case remains under legal scrutiny, with both journalists affirming their full cooperation in the judicial process, while continuing to advocate for press freedom and transparency in governance.
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