Journalist Seeks Protection in Casteist Remarks Case
A woman journalist has approached the Delhi High Court for interim protection from arrest following allegations of casteist remarks against an ACP.
The Delhi High Court has declined to hear an urgent plea filed by a woman journalist seeking interim protection from arrest in a high-profile case involving alleged casteist remarks. The matter, which involves serious allegations under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, is now scheduled for a hearing on Friday.
The Legal Battle in High Court
The plea was brought before a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma. The legal counsel representing the journalist had requested an immediate hearing on Thursday to secure protection from arrest. However, the bench decided that the matter would be listed for hearing the following day instead.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The controversy stems from an FIR registered at the Parliament Street police station. The complaint was lodged by Vivek Bhagat, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) currently posted in the Connaught Place subdivision of the New Delhi district. The incident reportedly took place on October 3 during a protest held at the Buta Singh Roundabout against the Election Commission of India.
According to the FIR, ACP Bhagat was deployed for law-and-order duties when the alleged confrontation occurred. He claims that while he and his operator, Constable Ravi Dahiya, were on duty, a journalist made derogatory remarks regarding his caste identity and his appointment as an ACP. Bhagat, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, alleged that his nameplate and caste identity were used to humiliate and intimidate him.
Accused and Counter-Allegations
The police have named several individuals in the FIR, including Rosy, Gajendra, and one unidentified person. The charges filed against the accused include:
- Sections 221, 356(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Sections 3(1)(p), 3(1)(q), 3(1)(r), and 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
In a dramatic turn of events, the journalist involved has leveled her own accusations against the officer. She has alleged that ACP Bhagat engaged in sexual harassment in connection with the same incident. As the legal proceedings continue, both sets of allegations remain under investigation and await judicial determination.