SC refuses interim protection to MP journalists who alleged police harassment

The Supreme Court has refused to pass any interim order in favour of two Madhya Pradesh-based journalists who have alleged custodial violence, caste-based abuse and ongoing threat to life from Bhind police, Bar and Bench reported.

A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma reportedly said the court cannot pass an interim order granting protection from arrest unless it is made aware of the exact nature of the crime attributed to the two journalists, Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chouhan.

The court reportedly said it should have been told that the petitioners had already approached the Delhi High Court. But advocate Warisha Farasat, appearing for the petitioners, said that Delhi High Court does not have the jurisdiction to deal with the matter since it stems from Madhya Pradesh, according to the report.

The court asked what stopped the petitioners from approaching the Madhya Pradesh High Court and said Bhind SP Ajit Yadav against whom the allegations have been made has not been added as a party to the plea.

It then issued a notice to the state and posted the case for further consideration on June 9.

Newslaundry had earlier reported on the matter and why the journalists said they were forced to come to Delhi.

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