Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 9: The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim protection from arrest to two journalists from Madhya Pradesh who alleged harassment, assault, and threats to their lives by Bhind district police. The court ruled that no coercive action be taken against them for now.

A bench comprising justice PK Mishra and Justice Manmohan directed journalists Sashikant Goyal of Dainik Bejor Ratna and Amarkant Chauhan, bureau chief of Swaraj Express, to approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The court also asked the High Court to hear the matter within two weeks.

Both journalists had published reports on illegal sand mining by local criminal networks. Their plea alleged that in retaliation, Bhind police subjected them to intimidation and physical assault.

In the previous hearing before Justice SC Sharma, the apex court had declined interim relief, questioning the basis of the plea and the lack of clarity on the charges. “Can we grant this kind of blanket protection without knowing the charges?” Justice Sharma had remarked, while also questioning why the petitioners had approached the Delhi High Court earlier.

Despite expressing reservations, the court had issued notices to the police. On receiving their responses, the bench softened its position and allowed interim relief, though it clarified that anticipatory bail would require a full hearing of the police version.

Meanwhile, the Press Club of India, Indian Women’s Press Corps, and Delhi Union of Journalists condemned the reported assault on the journalists and demanded strict action against the officials involved, including Bhind SP Asit Yadav.