Supreme Court Seeks Responses from Centre and Delhi Police Over Alleged Harassment of Women Journalists
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday took cognizance of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the ‘Network of Women in Media,’ an NGO raising serious concerns regarding the safety and professional freedom of female journalists. The petition seeks an independent, high-level probe into allegations of sexual harassment faced by women members of the press during the protests that took place on October 10.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued a notice to the Union government, the Delhi government, and the Delhi Police, directing them to file their formal responses regarding the incidents.
Allegations of Molestation and Counter-FIRs
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, representing the petitioners, highlighted the precarious environment faced by reporters on the ground. She specifically drew the court’s attention to an incident involving a woman journalist who was allegedly molested by a senior police officer. Jaising noted that the situation took a disturbing turn when the same officer lodged a counter-FIR against the journalist under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, accusing her of using caste-based slurs.
Jaising argued that women journalists constitute a distinct class of professionals who require robust protection while performing their constitutional duties. She contended that the current investigation process is fundamentally flawed, questioning how the police department can impartially investigate allegations of misconduct leveled against its own officer.
Independent Inquiry Panel Proposed
To ensure transparency and fairness, the petitioner has requested the establishment of an independent inquiry committee. Jaising proposed that this panel be chaired by a retired female judge and include a retired woman IPS officer, along with eminent representatives from civil society and various non-governmental organizations. The bench has permitted Jaising to submit a list of names for the proposed panel, as well as the identities of the journalists allegedly harassed during the October 10 protests, in separate sealed covers.
Government’s Rebuttal
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the authorities, vehemently contested the claims presented by the petitioner. He asserted that the video evidence circulating in the public domain—purportedly showing the police officer molesting a journalist—is an AI-generated fabrication. Mehta maintained that the Delhi Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter and urged the court to wait for the formal police response before considering the formation of an independent inquiry committee.
Court Grants Interim Protection
While the legal battle over the nature of the investigation continues, the Supreme Court provided immediate relief to the journalist named in the FIR. The bench issued an interim order directing that no coercive action, including arrest, should be taken against the journalist until further judicial review.
The court has deferred further proceedings to allow the respondents sufficient time to file their affidavits. The outcome of this case is being closely watched by media advocacy groups, who argue that the protection of journalists is paramount to maintaining a healthy democracy and ensuring the freedom of the press. As the matter remains sub judice, the court’s final decision on the constitution of an independent probe panel will likely set a significant precedent for the treatment of media personnel by law enforcement during civil unrest.
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