The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim protection from arrest to Madhya Pradesh journalists Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chouhan, who have accused Bhind Police, including Superintendent of Police Asit Yadav, of custodial violence, caste-based abuse, and ongoing threats to their safety.
However, the bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan refused to entertain further reliefs, instead directing the petitioners to pursue their case before the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
“We are not entertaining the plea. However, looking at the allegations, we permit the petitioners to move the concerned High Court within 2 weeks from today. Till petitioners move the High Court and the interim prayer is concerned, the petitioners shall not be arrested.”
Allegations Of Kidnapping & Custodial Torture
In their petition, Jatav and Chouhan recounted a harrowing incident on May 1, 2025, following their investigative reporting on illegal sand mining in the Chambal river region. They allege that, under the pretext of a friendly meeting over tea, SP Yadav summoned them to his office in Bhind. Once there, the journalists found several colleagues stripped to their undergarments and subjected to physical assault.
Custodial Violence: The petitioners claim they were forcibly restrained, beaten, and humiliated by SP Yadav and his subordinates.
Caste-Based Abuse: Shashikant Jatav, who hails from the Scheduled Caste “Jatav” community, was reportedly insulted with casteist slurs and beaten with slippers.
Threat to Life: Following the assault, the journalists say they received persistent threats, compelling them to leave Madhya Pradesh and seek refuge in Delhi.
While the Supreme Court declined to expand the scope of relief, it recognized the gravity of the accusations:
“There must be some threat and ground that made the journalists leave MP and come to Delhi.”
By granting protection from arrest until the case is refiled in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the Court struck a balance, acknowledging the petitioners’ safety concerns while underscoring the principle that local courts are the appropriate forum for trial.
Next Step
The court’s order mandates that Jatav and Chouhan:
Approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court within two weeks from the date of the order.
File their petition afresh, including the interim protection request, in the High Court.
Until such a filing occurs, neither journalist can be arrested in connection with any counter-FIRs or related criminal complaints.
Broader Implications For Press Freedom
This case underscores the risks faced by journalists reporting on powerful local interests in India. The alleged involvement of a senior police officer highlights potential abuses of authority and the weaponization of criminal laws against the press. By granting limited relief, the Supreme Court has:
Affirmed the right of journalists to seek protection when threatened.
Reinforced the procedural expectation that cases be heard by the relevant state judiciary first.
Signaled judicial sensitivity to caste-based violence and custodial rights.
Background Context
Illegal sand mining along the Chambal River has long been a flashpoint in Madhya Pradesh, with media exposés often provoking backlash from vested interests, commonly referred to as the “sand mafia.” Journalists investigating these networks risk intimidation, violence, and false criminal charges. In this case, Jatav and Chouhan’s reporting allegedly triggered retaliatory action by Bhind Police, prompting their urgent plea to the Supreme Court.
Conclusion
While the Supreme Court’s interim order provides a temporary shield for Jatav and Chouhan, the core allegations of custodial torture, casteist humiliation, and threats to life remain to be adjudicated in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The forthcoming hearings will test the state judiciary’s readiness to protect press freedom and curb abuses of police power.
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