In a 15‑minute hearing on Monday, the Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant told the Delhi Police that it would not allow coercive action against a reporter who accused Assistant Commissioner Vivek Bhagat of sexual assault during the protest that saw thousands rallying at Jantar Mantar.
The protest, held on 28 May 2024, demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. After the rally, the reporter filed a complaint with the Delhi Police Crime Branch, alleging assault; Bhagat, in turn, filed an FIR accusing the reporter of casteist remarks and defamation.
Chief Justice Surya Kant said the allegations were serious and that the court would assess whether an independent probe was required. Tushar Mehta, the government lawyer, promised to submit the police findings to the court and urged the reporter to cooperate, stating that she would not be arrested.
Mehta also criticized the proliferation of ‘freelance’ journalists who he said were merely making reels for social media, arguing that the line between a reel‑maker and a professional journalist was unclear.
The bench instructed the police to complete the investigation within a specified time‑bound period and to distinguish between accredited journalists and those affiliated with organisations, hinting at an extra layer of protection for certain categories.
The Delhi High Court has declined to grant the reporter an urgent hearing, and the Supreme Court will hold a follow‑up session on 30 May 2024 to review the police report before deciding on any additional measures.