The Delhi High Court on Wednesday granted interim protection to a Madhya Pradesh-based journalist who alleged life-threatening intimidation and physical assault by the Bhind Superintendent of Police. The court directed the Delhi Police to extend security to the journalist, Amarkant Singh Chouhan, for a period of two months.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja passed the order while hearing Chouhan’s plea seeking urgent protection from alleged police brutality in his home state. Chouhan, 55, is the Bhind Bureau Chief of Swaraj Express news channel and currently residing in Delhi.
According to the plea, Chouhan, along with two other journalists—Pritam Singh Rajawat (a YouTuber) and Shashikant Goyal (a news portal operator)—was allegedly assaulted on May 1 inside the office of Bhind Superintendent of Police Asit Yadav. The journalists had earlier filed a joint complaint before the district collector, accusing the SP of abuse and physical assault, allegations the officer has denied.
The petition claimed Chouhan was summoned to the SP’s chamber under the pretext of having tea and was then stripped down to his undergarments and beaten, along with Goyal and several other journalists who were reportedly present.
Citing a serious threat to his life and liberty, Chouhan told the court that he fled to Delhi on May 19 and has been unable to return to Madhya Pradesh. He also stated he approached the Delhi High Court instead of the Madhya Pradesh High Court due to the prevailing fear and alleged complicity of local law enforcement.
Chouhan’s counsel further submitted that the journalist had been actively reporting on illegal sand mining in the Chambal River, which allegedly operates with the tacit approval of local police officials. The plea contended that this investigative work had made him a target of the sand mafia and corrupt officials.
“The petitioner is under grave and imminent threat. His right to life, personal liberty, and profession as a journalist—protected under Article 21 and Article 19(1)(a) & (g) of the Constitution—are at stake,” the petition stated.
Despite opposition from Delhi Police, the court directed the police to provide protection and instructed the petitioner’s counsel to share details of the police station where Chouhan is currently staying in Delhi. It also ordered that Chouhan’s contact number be shared with the concerned beat officer and Station House Officer.
Disposing of the plea, the court advised that Chouhan may approach the jurisdictional high court in Madhya Pradesh for further remedies after the interim period.
