Supreme Court Provides Temporary Relief to Madhya Pradesh Journalists Facing Arrest
Interim Protection Granted
On Monday, the Supreme Court offered temporary protection from arrest for a duration of two weeks to two journalists from Madhya Pradesh. This decision follows their claims of custodial abuse, caste-based discrimination, and threats to their safety from the Bhind Police, as reported by a legal news outlet.
However, Justices PK Mishra and Manmohan did not extend any further assistance to Amarkant Singh Chauhan of Swaraj Express and Shashikant Jatav of Dainik Bejor Ratna, instructing them to seek recourse from the Madhya Pradesh High Court instead.
The court stated, “We are not entertaining the plea,” and allowed the journalists to approach the High Court within two weeks for further action. They emphasized that the petitioners would not face arrest until they had the opportunity to present their case in the High Court.
The journalists alleged that they were kidnapped on May 1, assaulted while in custody, and subjected to derogatory remarks by Superintendent of Police Asit Yadav and his team at a police station in Bhind.
They contend that their targeting stemmed from their investigative reports exposing corruption related to illegal sand mining in the Chambal river. Following the incident, they fled to Delhi on May 19.
In addition to seeking protection, they requested the Supreme Court to prevent the Madhya Pradesh Police from taking any coercive measures against them.
Superintendent Yadav has categorically denied all allegations, labeling them as unfounded.
Previously, on June 4, the Supreme Court had declined to provide interim relief, citing a lack of clarity regarding the specific allegations against the journalists.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court had mandated the Delhi police to ensure Chauhan's safety for two months starting May 28, although this order was limited to the jurisdiction of Delhi.
Jatav also sought protection from the Delhi High Court, but the case is still pending, with a new hearing scheduled for July 14.