The CJI-led bench is examining press freedom, police restrictions and safeguards for independent journalists and digital creators
The Supreme Court of India is examining demands for safeguards for journalists covering protests in Delhi. During the hearing, the bench discussed differences between accredited journalists, freelancers and social media influencers, while considering allegations of mistreatment of women reporters by police.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has raised important questions about the distinction between professional journalists, independent reporters and social media content creators while hearing petitions seeking protection for journalists covering protests.
The court is examining the need for guidelines governing police interactions with media personnel, particularly following allegations that journalists faced assault, harassment and detention while reporting on demonstrations in Delhi.
CJI Says Issue Requires Careful Examination
During the hearing, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant cautioned that the issue needed careful consideration, observing that difficulties could arise if everyone began identifying themselves as a journalist.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the court would have to examine whether the constitutional right to freedom of expression automatically empowers every citizen to claim the status of a journalist. He noted that different categories, including accredited journalists, media employees, freelance reporters and social media influencers, might require different levels of protection.
The court clarified that determining who qualifies as a journalist would require detailed examination.
Centre Raises Concerns Over Digital Content Creators
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, argued that distinguishing independent journalists from social media content creators had become increasingly difficult in the digital era.
He pointed out that people could record incidents using mobile phones or microphones and upload videos to social media, sometimes presenting content in a sensationalised manner to attract views, likes and revenue.
Mehta also stressed that the safety and dignity of women police personnel must be considered alongside the protection of women journalists covering protests.
Petition Seeks Guidelines for Police and Journalists
Senior advocate Indira Jaising sought safeguards for journalists reporting on protests, arguing that media personnel should be allowed to perform their professional duties without arbitrary obstruction by police.
The petitions followed allegations that journalists, including women reporters, were assaulted, harassed or detained while covering protests in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on the plea for national guidelines governing interactions between law enforcement personnel and journalists at protest sites. The bench has also considered forming a committee to examine allegations of mistreatment of women journalists.
Debate Over Protection for Digital Media
The proceedings have brought renewed attention to the challenges of protecting press freedom in an era when news is increasingly reported and circulated through YouTube, Instagram and other digital platforms.
The central issue is how authorities can protect journalists carrying out legitimate reporting while addressing concerns about the identification of media personnel and the conduct of individuals recording events for social media.
The court’s observations do not amount to a final ruling on who qualifies as a journalist. The matter remains under consideration, including the scope of safeguards that should apply to different categories of media practitioners.
