New Delhi, The Supreme Court of India has granted interim protection from arrest to two Madhya Pradesh-based journalists — Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chauhan — following serious threats and pressure they allegedly faced after reporting on illegal sand mining in the Chambal region.
The journalists, who work in Bhind district, alleged in their petition that they were harassed and physically assaulted by local police officers. Their reports had exposed large-scale unauthorized mining activities in the ecologically sensitive Chambal river area.
Amarkant Singh Chauhan, Bureau Chief of Swaraj Express, claimed in the petition that on May 1, he was summoned by the Superintendent of Police under the pretext of a conversation. However, he was reportedly stripped and beaten in the presence of other journalists. On May 4, both Chauhan and independent journalist Shashikant Jatav were allegedly misled by a local intermediary and taken to the SP’s residence, where they were pressured to withdraw their complaints.
Fearing for their safety, both journalists left for Delhi on May 5 and filed formal complaints with the Press Council of India and the National Human Rights Commission. Initially, they approached the Delhi High Court, which granted them two months’ protection but advised them to move the Madhya Pradesh High Court due to jurisdictional limitations. Considering the case’s inter-state implications and its sensitive nature, they petitioned the Supreme Court directly. The apex court took cognizance, issued notices to both the Delhi and Madhya Pradesh governments, and ordered a stay on any arrest.
The Madhya Pradesh government, in its response, denied the allegations and claimed the journalists were facing serious charges including extortion. The journalists, however, refuted these claims, asserting that the charges are false and intended to silence their reporting.
In a joint statement, the journalists emphasized that their case is not just personal but concerns the right of every journalist to report fearlessly on issues of public interest. They welcomed the court’s protection and expressed confidence in the judicial process.
Veteran journalist Manoj Sharma commented that the case highlights the shrinking space for investigative journalism in areas plagued by illegal activities. He termed the interim protection a “small but significant” win for press freedom.
The case is currently under investigation, and the petitioners have pledged full cooperation with legal proceedings, reaffirming their faith in the judiciary.
