Supreme Court Seeks Probe Into Alleged Attacks On Journalists At Jantar Mantar

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court of India seeking directions for a neutral, time-bound investigation into alleged attacks on journalists covering protests over the NEET examination paper leak at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The petition contends that the case is not about choosing between the government and protesters, but concerns the constitutional protection available to journalists performing their professional duties during public demonstrations.

A PIL filed before the Supreme Court of India has sought a neutral investigation into alleged attacks on journalists covering protests over the NEET examination paper leak at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The petition, which was filed on behalf of several media organizations and individuals, seeks directions for an immediate preservation of CCTV and electronic evidence related to the incidents. This development is significant as it highlights the need for a transparent and neutral mechanism for preserving primary electronic evidence and investigating alleged attacks on journalists.

The PIL in Supreme Court sought preservation of CCTV and electronic evidence, a neutral probe into the alleged attacks on journalists covering the NEET protest, and the formulation of a national protocol to ensure the safety of media personnel during public assemblies. The petition draws a distinction between peaceful dissent protected under Article 19(1)(b) and criminal acts allegedly committed during protests. It also highlights the importance of protecting journalists' rights to report freely without fear of violence or intimidation.

The PIL has raised important questions about the constitutional protection available to journalists performing their professional duties during public demonstrations. The petition's contention that the case is not about choosing between the government and protesters, but concerns the constitutional protection available to journalists, highlights the need for a neutral investigation into alleged attacks on journalists. The preservation of CCTV and electronic evidence is also crucial in ensuring that the truth is determined 'incident-wise and person-wise from original evidence'.

The outcome of this matter has not yet been reported. However, this development is significant as it highlights the need for a transparent and neutral mechanism for preserving primary electronic evidence and investigating alleged attacks on journalists. Practitioners should closely watch this case as it may set a precedent for future cases involving allegations of attacks on journalists during public demonstrations.