The Supreme Court granted two journalists interim protection from arrest in a Madhya Pradesh FIR case involving sand mafia reporting. Learn the full story, legal developments, and the court’s directive to seek relief from the High Court.

Supreme Court Grants Interim Relief to Journalists Accused in Madhya Pradesh FIR

On June 9, 2025, the Supreme Court of India provided interim protection from arrest to two journalists—journalists Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chouhan—involved in a police FIR registered in Madhya Pradesh. The journalists alleged police assault following their investigative reports on the illegal activities of the sand mafia operating near the Chambal River.

Journalists Accuse Police of Assault Linked to Sand Mafia Coverage

The plea, filed by the journalists from Bhind, claimed they were physically assaulted by state police officials due to their reporting on illegal sand mining. The bench comprising Justice P.K. Mishra and Justice Manmohan heard the petition and acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations.

Two-Week Interim Protection Granted by Supreme Court

The Supreme Court granted a two-week window of protection from arrest, instructing the journalists to approach the jurisdictional High Court for relief. The bench observed:

“Although we are not inclined to consider this petition under Article 32, given the nature of the allegations, the petitioners shall not be arrested for two weeks, during which time they may seek appropriate relief from the High Court.”

Delhi High Court Earlier Approached—Clarification Provided

The bench noted that the petitioners had earlier approached the Delhi High Court. However, Advocate Warisha Farasat, representing the petitioners, clarified that the current plea is limited to seeking protection from coercive action, a request not raised in the previous filing.

State of Madhya Pradesh Alleges Extortion—Petitioners Deny Claims

During the hearing, the counsel for the State of Madhya Pradesh alleged that over 10 complaints had been made against the journalists for supposed extortion. Advocate Farasat firmly refuted these allegations, stating, “We are here because we are actually fearing for our lives.”

Next Legal Step: High Court to Examine Petitioners’ Claims

The Supreme Court emphasized that the matters raised—including police misconduct, extortion allegations, and press freedom—should now be taken up by the jurisdictional High Court. The interim relief ensures that the petitioners are not arrested before the High Court evaluates their request.