Supreme Court Addresses Assault Allegations Against Women Journalists in Delhi
Supreme Court's Intervention on Journalist Safety
A file image of Supreme Court (Photo: IANS)
New Delhi, Oct 13: The Supreme Court expressed grave concern on Tuesday regarding reports of police assaults on women journalists covering protests in the capital. The court has summoned a senior officer from the Delhi Police to attend the hearing scheduled for Thursday to provide clarification on these incidents.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, made this statement following a petition presented by senior advocate Indira Jaising on behalf of the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI). The petition calls for protective measures for journalists, especially women, during protest coverage.
"We require a senior officer to be present and explain the situation," stated the CJI, emphasizing the need for police accountability regarding the allegations.
This development follows claims that journalists faced physical aggression, detention, and obstruction while performing their duties during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 10 and 11.
Additionally, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan raised a separate contempt petition, alleging police misconduct against journalists, which contravened the Supreme Court's order issued on October 10.
The apex court had previously instructed authorities to ensure that professionals, including lawyers and journalists, could carry out their responsibilities without interference.
These directives were issued by Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana while addressing contempt petitions related to restrictions imposed ahead of the planned protests.
The court also mandated that Metro and railway services operate normally, internet connectivity remain uninterrupted, and the public be allowed free movement, adhering to traffic regulations and public order.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court emphasized that detentions should only occur in accordance with established legal procedures, particularly concerning peaceful and unarmed gatherings in areas where prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) are enforced.