Supreme Court Hears Plea Alleging Assault on Journalists by Madhya Pradesh Police
New Delhi,The Supreme Court on Wednesday began hearing a petition filed by two journalists, Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chauhan, who claim they were subjected to physical abuse while in police custody after reporting on illegal sand mining in Madhya Pradesh. Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma agreed to hear the matter and issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government. The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 9. The petitioners have also sought interim protection from arrest, arguing that their lives are in danger and that authorities are attempting to stifle their journalistic work.
Background: Delhi High Court’s Earlier Intervention
In May, the Delhi High Court granted two months of protective security to journalist Amarkant Singh Chauhan. Chauhan, bureau chief of Swaraj Express in Bhind, had informed the High Court that threats and intimidation by local police officers forced him to leave Madhya Pradesh. He alleged that after his coverage of illegal sand mining in the Chambal region, those officers began targeting him.
Single Judge Justice Ravinder Doveda ordered the Delhi Police to ensure Chauhan’s safety and advised him to approach the relevant High Court in Madhya Pradesh for further relief. Senior advocates Varisha Farsat, Tamanna Pankaj, Aniruddha Ramanathan, and Priya Vats represented Chauhan in that hearing.
Allegations of Systematic Harassment of Independent Journalists
In their Supreme Court petition, Chauhan and Jatav contend that the Madhya Pradesh police are deliberately intimidating independent reporters. They claim that multiple journalists—including Dharmendra Ojha (News 24), Shashikant Jatav (Bejod Ratna), and Pritam Singh (NTV Bharat)—were summoned to the SP office in Bhind, where they were allegedly subjected to physical abuse, had their clothes ripped, had their mobile phones confiscated, and were coerced into making video statements under duress.
According to the petition, both Chauhan and Jatav were beaten and forced to record a false statement on camera, declaring that “the matter has been resolved.” The petitioners argue that these actions form part of a broader campaign to intimidate the press when reporting on corruption and environmental harm in the state.
Quotes from Journalists and Media Figures
Journalist Shashikant Jatav, one of the petitioners, commented on the Supreme Court hearing:
“I have full confidence in the highest court of the country. We were simply performing our duty as journalists—exposing corruption that destroys lives and the environment. Now we hope justice will be served.”
Veteran journalist Manoj Kumar Sharma expressed concern over the implications for press freedom, stating:
“This attack is not just on individual journalists but on the fourth pillar of democracy itself. It is essential to curb such arbitrary actions by the state machinery. In cases like this, the judiciary’s role reassures us that justice is still alive in our country.”
Significance for Press Freedom in India
This case highlights the growing threats to press freedom and the safety of journalists in India. With the petition now before the Supreme Court, it will serve as a significant test of whether India’s institutions can effectively protect democratic values and uphold freedom of expression. The next hearing is scheduled for June 9, when the Madhya Pradesh government is expected to respond to the court’s notice.
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