Supreme Court Hears Petition Alleging MP Police Assault on Two Journalists

Notice Issued to Madhya Pradesh Government; Next Hearing Scheduled for June 9

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court began hearing a petition filed by two journalists—Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chauhan—who claim they were subjected to police brutality while reporting on illegal sand mining in Madhya Pradesh. The petitioners allege that, following their investigative reporting in the Chambal region, local police took them into custody, physically assaulted them, and attempted to coerce false statements.

Supreme Court Issues Notice and Fixes Next Date
A bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma agreed to hear the matter and issued notice to the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The bench also scheduled the next hearing for June 9. In their petition, Jatav and Chauhan have additionally sought interim protection from arrest, citing threats to their personal safety and an ongoing campaign to stifle their journalistic work.

Prior Delhi High Court Order
This case follows a May order by the Delhi High Court, which granted Chauhan—Bhind bureau chief of Swaraj Express—two months of protective measures. Chauhan informed the High Court that he had been forced to leave Madhya Pradesh due to repeated threats, intimidation, and an atmosphere of fear created by local police officers after his reporting on illegal sand-mining activities.

Details of Harassment Allegations
In his petition filed before the Supreme Court, Chauhan asserted that the Madhya Pradesh police have systematically targeted independent journalists to discourage critical reporting. Alongside Chauhan, the petition mentions other journalists—Dharmendra Ojha (News 24), Shashikant Jatav (Bejod Ratn), and Pritam Singh (NTV Bharat)—all of whom were summoned to the Bhind SP’s office. There, they claim they were physically assaulted, stripped of their clothing, had their mobile phones confiscated, and were coerced into giving video statements under duress. Specifically, Chauhan and Jatav allege they were beaten and forced into recording a staged statement claiming, “The matter has been resolved.”

Previous High Court Directions and Legal Representation
Earlier, a single-judge bench of Justice Ravinder Dujeda in the Delhi High Court directed the Delhi Police to ensure Chauhan’s security and advised him to approach the appropriate High Court in Madhya Pradesh for further relief. Senior advocates Varisha Farsat and Tamanna Pankaj, along with Aniruddha Ramanathan and Priya Vats, appeared on Chauhan’s behalf before the Supreme Court.

Statements from Journalists and Media Advocates
Journalist Shashikant Jatav, commenting on the Supreme Court hearing, stated:

“I have full faith in India’s highest court. We were simply performing our duty as journalists—exposing corruption that harms people’s lives and the environment. We now hope to obtain justice.”

Senior journalist Manoj Kumar Sharma expressed his concern, saying:

“This attack is not only against individual journalists but on the fourth pillar of democracy itself. It is imperative to curb such arbitrary actions by the state machinery. In such cases, the judiciary’s intervention reassures us that justice remains alive in the country.”

Implications for Press Freedom
This lawsuit highlights the escalating threats to press freedom and the safety of journalists in India. With the matter now before the Supreme Court, it will serve as a critical test of whether democratic institutions can effectively safeguard freedom of expression and protect journalists from harassment. The next hearing on June 9 will be closely watched by media professionals and civil-society advocates alike.