SC hears plea by two journalists alleging assault by MP police
New Delhi : The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday agreed to hear a petition filed by two journalists, Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chouhan, who have alleged that they were assaulted in police custody in Madhya Pradesh for reporting on illegal sand mining operations. A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma issued notice to the Madhya Pradesh government, seeking its response, and listed the matter for hearing on June 9. The petitioners have also sought interim protection from arrest, citing threats to their safety and attempts to suppress their journalistic work.
This development follows the Delhi High Court’s order last month granting two months of protection to Amarkant Singh Chouhan, who serves as the Bhind Bureau Chief for Swaraj Express. Chouhan had approached the court after fleeing Madhya Pradesh, alleging intimidation by local police officials for his investigative reporting on illegal sand mining in the Chambal region. The single-judge bench of Justice Ravinder Dudeja also directed him to approach the jurisdictional High Court in Madhya Pradesh for further legal remedies. Chouhan was represented by Advocates Warisha Farasat, Tamanna Pankaj, Anirudh Ramanathan, and Priya Vats.
Chouhan’s plea outlined a pattern of police intimidation targeting independent journalists. Along with Dharmendra Ojha (News 24), Shashikant Jatav (Bejod Ratna), and Pritam Singh (NTV Bharat), several reporters were reportedly summoned to the Bhind SP office and subjected to physical assault, stripping, confiscation of mobile phones, and coerced video confessions. Chouhan and fellow journalist Shashikant Jatav were allegedly beaten and forced to state falsely on camera that the matter had been resolved with the police.
“I have full faith in the Supreme Court of India. The truth must prevail. We were only doing our duty as journalists, uncovering corruption that harms both people and the environment,” said Shashikant Jatav, one of the assaulted reporters who is now seeking legal recourse.
Manoj Kumar Sharma, senior journalist, added:
“This is not just an attack on individual reporters, it is an attack on the fourth pillar of democracy. Such impunity by state machinery must be challenged. The judiciary stepping in is a much-needed reminder that justice can still prevail.”
The ongoing legal proceedings underscore pressing concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in certain regions of India. As the matter now comes before the Supreme Court, it is poised to become a significant test of institutional accountability and the constitutional promise of a free press.
