SC Grants Protection to Journalist Abhishek Upadhyay

The Supreme Court has granted interim protection from coercive action to journalist Abhishek Upadhyay in connection with an FIR registered by the Uttar Pradesh Police. The FIR was filed over an alleged road-rage incident in Ghaziabad.

The protection will also apply to any fresh FIR that may be registered against him by the UP Police. The court has directed the Ghaziabad Police to provide Upadhyay with a copy of the FIR registered at the Indirapuram police station.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the order. The Commissioner of Police, Ghaziabad, has been asked to file a compliance report by the next hearing on September 7.

Upadhyay's counsel, Senior Advocate Pradeep Rai, argued that the case was based on fabricated allegations and alleged that the journalist was being targeted for his investigative reporting. This includes his coverage of the Ram Mandir donation controversy.

Rai also sought preservation of CCTV footage from the alleged incident, claiming it would establish Upadhyay's version. The journalist has denied any collision or confrontation, saying he was returning from his daughter's school when a motorcyclist approached his car near Shipra Mall.

Upadhyay has also alleged discrepancies in the motorcycle's registration number mentioned in the complaint and claimed police pressured shopkeepers over CCTV footage. His petition seeks quashing of the FIR and an independent probe, including by the CBI.

The Supreme Court issued notice and posted the matter for September 7. The court said Upadhyay could approach the Allahabad High Court for appropriate relief after receiving the FIR.

The case has sparked concerns about the freedom of the press and the targeting of journalists who expose irregularities and corruption. The Supreme Court's decision to grant interim protection to Upadhyay is seen as a significant development in the case.

The Ram Mandir donation controversy has been a subject of investigation and debate in recent times. Upadhyay's reporting on the issue has brought to light several irregularities and discrepancies in the donation process.

The Supreme Court's decision to hear the matter and grant interim protection to Upadhyay is a positive step towards ensuring the freedom of the press and protecting journalists from harassment and intimidation. The case will be heard next on September 7, and the outcome is likely to have significant implications for the freedom of the press in India.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court's decision to grant interim protection to journalist Abhishek Upadhyay is a significant development in the case. The court's order is a positive step towards ensuring the freedom of the press and protecting journalists from harassment and intimidation. The case will be closely watched in the coming days, and the outcome is likely to have significant implications for the freedom of the press in India.