New Delhi, October 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday took serious note of allegations that women journalists covering protests in the national capital were assaulted by police personnel and directed a senior Delhi Police officer to remain present during Thursday’s hearing to explain the circumstances.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, issued the direction after senior advocate Indira Jaising mentioned a petition filed by the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI), seeking safeguards for journalists covering protests, particularly women.
“We would like some senior officer to remain present here and explain,” the Bench said, indicating that the police would be required to respond to the allegations.
The matter follows claims that journalists covering protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 10 and 11 were allegedly manhandled, detained and obstructed while carrying out their professional duties.
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan also mentioned a separate contempt petition alleging that police personnel assaulted journalists in violation of the Supreme Court’s October 10 order.
In that order, the court had directed authorities to ensure that lawyers, journalists and other professionals were not prevented from discharging their duties.
The directions were issued by a Bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana while hearing contempt petitions alleging violations of its earlier order concerning restrictions imposed ahead of the proposed protest.
The court had also directed the authorities to ensure the normal functioning of Metro and railway services, uninterrupted internet connectivity and the free movement of people, subject to traffic regulations and public order requirements.
On detention, the Supreme Court had said there should be no arrests or detention except in accordance with the procedure established by law, particularly in cases involving peaceful and unarmed gatherings outside areas where prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were in force.
The senior police officer’s presence on Thursday is expected to provide the court with an explanation of the allegations and the steps taken by the authorities.
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