Supreme Criticizes Filing Criminal Cases Against Journalists

The Supreme Court has criticized the practice of filing criminal cases against journalists for writing news articles critical of the government. During the hearing of a petition filed by journalist Abhishek Upadhyay from Uttar Pradesh, who sought the quashing of a case registered against him, the court remarked that such actions are not appropriate in a democracy.

A bench consisting of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S.P.N. Bhatti stated that freedom of expression is respected in democratic nations and is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court emphasized that journalists should not face criminal charges merely for publishing reports that criticize the government. It added that doing so would infringe on the freedom of speech and expression.

The case in question involved the publication of a news story related to caste details in the state's administration, for which the Uttar Pradesh government had filed an FIR against Upadhyay. In response, the Supreme Court granted interim protection to the journalist, preventing his arrest while the case is being reviewed.