Court Hears Plea by Journalist Accusing Police Officer of Harassment

The Supreme Court on Thursday granted interim protection to a woman journalist booked under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act following a complaint filed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat. The case was registered after the journalist accused the police officer of sexually harassing her while she was covering protests in Delhi.

The matter is among several petitions being heard by the Supreme Court concerning alleged illegal detentions, assaults on protesters, and restrictions imposed on public transport during demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission.

The petitions also challenge the closure of metro stations and cancellation of trains to Delhi during the protests. Another plea seeks contempt proceedings against authorities for allegedly violating the Supreme Court’s October 9 order regarding the operation of metro and train services in the national capital.

Supreme Court Issues Notice on Rahul Gandhi’s Plea Against Electoral Roll Revision

The Supreme Court also issued notice on a petition filed by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders challenging the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

While issuing notice, the bench orally remarked that it wanted to question one of the petitioners about their conduct at the next hearing. However, the court did not identify the petitioner to whom the observation referred.

The proceedings also include a petition seeking judicial intervention over the gathering of Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders inside the court premises on October 12.

At an earlier hearing on October 11, a bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana directed authorities to prevent illegal detentions, ensure the free movement of people, maintain normal metro and train services, and avoid internet disruptions, subject to law-and-order requirements.

Observing that a prima facie case of contempt had been made out, the court issued notices to the Centre, Delhi Police and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), directing them to submit affidavits and compliance reports. The court is continuing to examine the allegations and the challenges relating to restrictions imposed during the protests.