New Delhi : The government on Thursday questioned how journalists could be distinguished from content creators covering protests, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta telling the Supreme Court that “in this era of technology, anybody with a mobile can be a journalist”. There are several people with a mic. They say we are recording and then upload it in a reel. We don’t know who is a reel-maker, who is an independent journalist,” Mehta told a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, responding to submissions by Jaising.
Mehta, however, said there should be no disagreement over the principle that no woman, including female police personnel, should be subjected to indecency or mistreatment. CJI Kant said the allegations were serious and suggested that the proposed panel will comprise predominantly former women judges and retired IPS officers. He also said the court was examining whether an independent agency should investigate specific allegations against police personnel.
The Supreme Court indicated that it would consider constituting a committee to examine the allegations of assault and harassment of women journalists by police. CJI Kant said the allegations were serious and suggested that the proposed panel will comprise predominantly former women judges and retired IPS officers. He also said the court was examining whether an independent agency should investigate specific allegations against police personnel.
Jaising offered to submit two reports in sealed covers – one containing the names of the women journalists who allegedly faced harassment and the other listing retired women judges and police officers who could be considered for the committee. She said the matter required sensitivity and sought safeguards for women covering protests.
During the hearing, the bench also discussed the distinction between accredited journalists, independent reporters and social media influencers, with the Chief Justice observing that the exercise of freedom of expression raised questions about how different categories of media practitioners should be identified and protected.
Jaising sought protection for a woman journalist against whom Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat filed an FIR under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Bhagat subsequently filed a counter-complaint alleging caste-based slurs and humiliation. Two other journalists who had accused him were also named in the FIR, according to reports. The allegations and counter-allegations remain subject to investigation.
Read Also : Asking Daughter-in-Law to Wash Clothes, Utensils Not Cruelty. Bombay HC Quashes FIR Under Section 498A
-
-
-
-
