Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling: Criminal Cases Against Journalists Cannot Be Filed Solely for Criticizing the Government

Anoop Singh Reporter Chitrakoot

The Supreme Court has recently made a significant declaration that a criminal case cannot be lodged against a journalist simply for expressing criticism of the government in their writings. Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S.V.M. Bhatti emphasized that the freedom of expression is a fundamental right that must be respected in a democratic country.

This remark came during the hearing of a petition filed by a journalist seeking the dismissal of a case registered against them in Uttar Pradesh. The court has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, directing it to respond to the matter.

The next hearing of the case is scheduled to take place in four weeks. The court stated that under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, the rights of journalists are protected, and no case should be registered against them merely for criticizing the government.

In this particular case, the petitioner faced allegations in connection with a report regarding “the participation of a specific caste in general administration” filed by the Uttar Pradesh police. The journalist has sought the dismissal of this case in the Supreme Court. The court has directed that no punitive action should be taken against the petitioner.

This ruling is being viewed as a crucial step for the protection of journalistic freedom and the right to free expression, reminding governments that criticism is a vital component of a robust democracy.