Delhi High Court Denies Halt on Investigation of Journalists Accused of Casteist Remarks

The Delhi High Court has ruled against halting the investigation into two journalists accused of making casteist remarks towards ACP Vivek Bhagat. The court emphasized the necessity of reviewing the police's status report before any suspension of the investigation. The case involves serious allegations, including public humiliation and obstruction of official duties during a protest. The next hearing is set for November 16, as the court continues to navigate the complexities of this high-profile case.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 27, 2026, 14:10 IST

Court's Decision on Investigation

The Delhi High Court has rejected a request to suspend the investigation against two journalists accused of making casteist comments against Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat. The bench, led by Justice Mini Pushkarna, stated that halting the investigation without reviewing the status report submitted by the Delhi Police was not feasible, as it is essential to consider the matter thoroughly.

The court did, however, issue a notice regarding the plea from both journalists seeking the cancellation of the FIR filed by the Delhi Police. Among the accused is a female journalist who has alleged sexual harassment against ACP Bhagat.

The journalists are accused of publicly humiliating a police officer during a protest in the national capital on October 3, making casteist remarks, and obstructing the performance of official duties. During the hearing, Justice Pushkarna emphasized that an order to halt the investigation could not be issued without reviewing the police's status report. The court noted that the investigation could continue at this stage, and it was only issuing a notice on the petition.

Details of the Allegations

The allegations against the journalists include that they insulted a police officer during a protest and made derogatory comments based on caste. Justice Pushkarna clarified that the police's status report must be reviewed before any decision to stop the investigation can be made. The court stated that the investigation could proceed for now, and it was only issuing a notice regarding the petition.

The court did not accept a request to prevent any harsh actions against male journalist Gajendra Singh. It stated that it lacked the authority to issue such orders, which are typically reserved for the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Tanveer Mir, representing the journalists, argued for a halt to the investigation, claiming that the FIR was filed out of vindictiveness and aimed at pressuring the female journalist to withdraw her complaint.

The defense also pointed out that the Supreme Court had previously ordered a halt to police action against the female journalist earlier in the month. They requested similar relief for Gajendra Singh, asserting that both journalists were cooperating with the investigation.

Context of the Incident

The controversy stems from an incident on October 3, where the female journalist was filming a video related to the arrest of an activist when ACP Vivek Bhagat allegedly inappropriately touched and pushed her. Bhagat has denied these allegations. The police had forwarded the female journalist's complaint to the crime branch for an impartial investigation.

The FIR against the journalists includes charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for obstructing public servants in their duties, defamation, and provisions related to collective responsibility. Additionally, provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been invoked. The next hearing in this case at the High Court is scheduled for November 16.