Supreme Court Defends Press Freedom: Journalists Shielded from Government Retaliation
(Judicial Quest News Network)
New Delhi 05, October, 2024
In a landmark ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court emphasized that journalists should not face criminal charges merely for their critical perspectives on the government. This decision comes amid concerns over the Uttar Pradesh Police’s response to a journalist’s article discussing caste dynamics within the Yogi Adityanath administration.
The bench, comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, reaffirmed the significance of free expression in democratic nations, highlighting that the rights of journalists are protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. They noted that criticism of government officials should not warrant punitive actions against writers.
The controversy began when the Uttar Pradesh Police filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the journalist Abhishek Upadhyay, accusing him of various offenses under the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The FIR claimed the journalist’s article portrayed the Chief Minister as a divine figure, suggesting he is beyond critical scrutiny regarding caste issues in governance.
In defense, advocate Anoop Prakash Awasthi argued that the FIR undermined the fundamental duty of journalists to seek truth and hold power accountable. The petition stated that journalists should be free to inform the public without fear of retaliation, reinforcing the essential role of the media in a healthy democracy.
Furthermore, the case highlighted that since becoming Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath has garnered significant social media following and is viewed by some as an unparalleled leader among his peers in Indian politics. Nonetheless, the Supreme Court’s ruling stands as a vital reminder that the pursuit of truth must remain unhindered, safeguarding journalists against government overreach.
