Supreme Court Grants Interim Protection To MP Journalists Alleging Police Torture
The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim protection from arrest to two Madhya Pradesh-based journalists who alleged custodial torture, caste-based abuse, and threats to life from Bhind police officials, including SP Asit Yadav.
The Bench of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Manmohan, however, refused to entertain the petition for broader reliefs, directing the journalists, Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chouhan, to approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court for appropriate remedies.
“We are not entertaining the plea. However, looking at the allegations, we permit the petitioners to move the concerned High Court within two weeks… Till then, they shall not be arrested,” the Court ordered.
The journalists had sought urgent protection and intervention citing grave threats from local police authorities.
Previously
On June 4, the Supreme Court had issued notice to the state government while agreeing to hear the plea filed by journalists Shashikant Goyal and Amarkant Singh Chouhan.
During the hearing, the counsel for the petitioners had urged the Court to grant interim protection from arrest, citing concerns over their safety and alleged police intimidation following their investigative reporting.
"Let the other side respond. Let the facts be brought by the state also," the Bench said.
About the Petition
A Writ Petition under Article 32 of the Constitution has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking urgent protection for two journalists, Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chouhan, who have alleged custodial assault, kidnapping, and caste-based abuse by senior police officials in Madhya Pradesh.
According to the petition, the incident occurred on May 1 after the journalists reported on illegal sand mining operations in the Chambal river region. The mining activities were allegedly being carried out with the connivance of local police, prompting retaliation from the authorities.
The journalists claim they were summoned by Superintendent of Police (SP) Yadav under the pretext of having tea. Upon arrival at his chambers, they found several other journalists stripped down to their undergarments and allegedly being physically assaulted. Jatav and Chouhan allege they were also assaulted in custody.
The plea states that Shashikant Jatav, a member of the Scheduled Caste ‘Jatav’ community, was subjected to casteist slurs and beaten with slippers on the instructions of SP Yadav. The petition argues that these acts constitute serious violations of constitutional protections under Articles 14, 15, and 21, as well as offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The journalists further contend that they cannot safely approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court due to ongoing threats and harassment from Bhind police, which allegedly extends to their families.
Case Title: Shashikant Jatav @ Shashikant Goyal & Anr. v. State of Madhya Pradesh