A public interest litigation has been submitted to the Supreme Court, urging the establishment of a National Minimum Protocol for safeguarding journalists and media personnel at public demonstrations. The petition also calls for an impartial inquiry into the reported assaults on media workers during recent protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The plea emphasizes the need to shield journalists from violence, abuse, and obstruction while covering protests.
The petition specifically requests measures to protect journalists, camerapersons, and media staff from targeted attacks, intimidation, and obstruction at protest sites. It also seeks the preservation of electronic evidence related to any incidents involving media personnel. Additionally, the plea asks for the retention of various records, including CCTV footage, police recordings, and medical reports of victims, for investigative purposes.
Referring to incidents during student protests at Jantar Mantar, the petition highlights instances where journalists were reportedly targeted while performing their duties. The plea mentions alleged assaults on journalists, including a Times Now reporter, along with incidents of intimidation and gender-based abuse. It stresses the importance of preserving evidence and conducting an independent investigation into these events.
The petition underscores that the relief sought is focused on evidence preservation, victim protection, and impartial accountability, rather than engaging in debates over differing narratives surrounding the protests. It mentions related petitions regarding alleged police excesses against student protesters scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court and ongoing proceedings in the Delhi High Court concerning the incidents in Delhi.
