Supreme Court Today (June 2) raised serious questions after two journalists beaten by Madhya Pradesh police sought protection in Delhi. Judges asked why they didn’t approach the High Court first.
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NEW DELHI: In today’s hearing before the Supreme Court bench of Justices S.C. Sharma and Sanjay Karol, a plea was raised on behalf of two journalists who were allegedly beaten by the police in Madhya Pradesh.
The journalists, fearing for their safety, have come to Delhi and are now seeking protection from the apex court.
During the mention of the matter, Justice S.C. Sharma directly asked,
“Why did not you go to HC? We should entertain pan India matters now because journalists are there?”
This remark clearly questioned the decision to approach the Supreme Court directly without first moving the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
In defense, the advocate representing the journalists stated,
“Press Club of India has condemned it and they are in danger. They are in Delhi now. They are here.”
The counsel stressed that the journalists are currently in Delhi due to threats to their safety and highlighted that the Press Club of India has already condemned the alleged attack.
Justice Sanjay Karol then observed,
“You know the conclusion if it comes before this bench.”
This comment hinted at a likely outcome if the matter is pursued before their bench, possibly implying that jurisdictional procedure would be strictly enforced.
Acknowledging this, the advocate responded with humility, saying,
“Then we will pray for this bench.”
This reflected a respectful submission to continue with the current bench despite their reservations.
At that point, Justice S.C. Sharma asserted,
“I am stubborn.”
The Supreme Court bench has decided that the matter will be listed later this week, indicating that the plea has not been dismissed outright and may still be examined further.
According to the petition, both journalists were allegedly abducted, physically assaulted while in police custody, and subjected to caste-based abuse by SP Yadav and his team.
The incident reportedly took place on May 1, following the journalists’ coverage of unlawful sand mining operations in the Chambal river area, which were allegedly being carried out with the support or negligence of local police.
As per the petition, the journalists were called by SP Yadav under the pretense of sharing tea. However, upon entering his office, they allegedly found other journalists partially stripped and being physically mistreated.
One of the petitioners, Shashikant Jatav, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, claims he was targeted with casteist insults and beaten with slippers on the orders of the Superintendent of Police.
These actions are argued to be in violation of Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution and are said to constitute offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The petition further asserts that due to continued threats and intimidation by Bhind police, the journalists are unable to safely approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Legal representation for the petitioners includes advocates Warisha Farasat, Tamanna Pankaj, Priya Vats, Aman Naqvi, Anirudh Ramanathan, and Shivanjali Bhalerao.
CASE TITLE:
Shashikant Jatav @ Shashikant Goyal & Anr v. State of Madhya Pradesh.
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