Delhi High Court denies stay on probe of journalists over caste remarks on ACP Bhagat
The Delhi High Court refused to halt the police investigation into two journalists accused of making casteist comments about ACP Vivek Bhagat and obstructing his duties during an October 3 protest.
The Delhi High Court declined to stay the ongoing investigation into two journalists accused of casteist remarks against Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat and of hindering his official duties during a protest on October 3. Justice Mini Pushkarna’s bench stated that a stay could not be granted without first examining the status report filed by the Delhi Police, and therefore the probe may continue. The journalists, including a woman who previously accused Bhagat of sexual harassment, are charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Senior advocate Tanvir Mir argued the FIR was retaliatory and sought protection similar to a recent Supreme Court order, but the court issued only a notice and noted it lacks Supreme Court powers. The police opposed the stay, and the case will be revisited on November 16.
Why it matters
The ruling determines whether journalists can continue a police probe that raises concerns about press freedom and caste discrimination.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the court's refusal to stay the investigation, but left-leaning coverage highlights the procedural need to examine the police status report, while right-leaning coverage stresses that the decision is not final and a full hearing is scheduled.
LEFT
Reports the court's denial of a stay, emphasizing the need to review the police status report and noting the FIR’s alleged retaliatory motive.
RIGHT
Reports the court's denial of a stay, emphasizing that the ruling is interim and a full hearing is set for later.
The left emphasises
- the bench could not grant a stay without first examining the status report filed by the Delhi Police
- journalists are charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
- senior advocate Tanvir Mir argued the FIR was retaliatory
The right emphasises
- the court was not rejecting the interim prayer but also not delivering a final ruling
- a full hearing is scheduled for November 16
- notices were sent to the Delhi Police and the ACP to file responses
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