Delhi High Court Grants Protection to Journalist Facing Threats from Madhya Pradesh Police
New Delhi : In a significant development upholding the rights and safety of journalists, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi Police to provide protection to Amarkant Singh Chouhan, Bhind Bureau Chief of Swaraj Express news channel, for a period of two months. Chouhan had approached the court seeking relief from threats allegedly posed by police officials in Madhya Pradesh following his investigative reporting on illegal sand mining in the Chambal region.
The single-judge bench of Justice Ravinder Dudeja ordered immediate police protection, instructing the journalist to approach the jurisdictional High Court in Madhya Pradesh for further legal remedies. Advocate Warisha Farasat, along with Advocates Tamanna Pankaj, Anirudh Ramanathan, and Priya Vats, represented Chouhan in court. The plea also detailed how the journalist had fled Madhya Pradesh fearing for his life, and had already approached the Press Club of India and NHRC for support.
Background: A Pattern of Police Intimidation
This court relief comes amid growing concerns about systemic police harassment against journalists in Madhya Pradesh. Chouhan and several other reporters, including Dharmendra Ojha (News 24), Shashikant Goyal (Bejod Ratna), and Pritam Singh (NTV Bharat), were reportedly summoned to the Bhind SP Office after they exposed sensitive stories—ranging from illegal mining to police brutality. Several journalists were physically assaulted, stripped, had their mobile phones seized, and were coerced into video confessions under duress.
Chouhan’s petition specifically alleges that he and fellow journalist Sashikant Jatav were assaulted and forced to falsely state that matters had been “resolved” with the police. These actions, the journalists claim, were coordinated efforts to silence independent media voices in the region.
Speaking in support of the Delhi High Court’s ruling, Member of Press Club & Journalist Manoj Kumar Sharma stated, “What happened to these journalists in Madhya Pradesh is not only a direct assault on the press but a brutal violation of democratic values. The beatings, threats, and forced confessions represent a horrifying misuse of police power. The Delhi High Court’s order granting protection to Amarkant Singh Chouhan is a welcome step and a much-needed relief. I hope it marks the beginning of justice for the victims. The real culprits—no matter how powerful—must be held accountable and brought behind bars.”
Call for broader action
Journalists across Madhya Pradesh are now demanding an independent judicial inquiry, criminal action against the responsible officers, and the enactment of a Journalist Protection Law to safeguard the free press from future attacks. As the legal proceedings continue, today’s High Court order offers a glimmer of hope to those who risk their lives to speak truth to power.
