'Agenda Against Only One Political Party Not Independent Journalism' : P&H HC While Protecting YouTuber In AAP MLAs' Complaints

Observing that "agenda against one political party is not independent journalism", the Punjab & Haryana High Court asked not to take coercive action against a Journalist and YouTuber against whom multiple complaints were filed by AAP MLAs.

On May 21, Rattandeep Singh Dhaliwal in his podcast on digital platforms, said that about 32 sitting MLAs might not be considered as party candidates for the upcoming Punjab assembly elections. Following this, various MLAs filed police complaints against him and various notices were issued to him by the police of different districts in Punjab.

Justice Rohit Kapoor said, "If there is an agenda against only one particular party, then you can't say it is independent journalism. When we say that this is a journalist who wants to put forward certain things in the public domain. 
All of that is very good... But at the same time, everybody, every citizen, be it a journalist or a lawyer, we are all supposed to be equal before law. So there is no such immunity that anybody enjoys."

However, the judge said that it is not possible for a person to appear all over the State within 24 hours.

"It is not they are immune...but at least some semblance of a proper notice...Within 24 hours, somebody he cannot be appearing all over the State," the Court said.

During the hearing, Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi, taking objection to the plea, said that the journalist be directed to produce the document relied upon by him to make allegations against AAP candidates.

Hence, the Court asked the journalist to file an additional affidavit to substantiate his claims.

The petition was filed by Rattandeep Singh Dhaliwal stating that he is a journalist and he operates online platforms under the names “Rattandeep Singh Dhaliwal” and “Talk with Rattan".

The petitioner claimed that his journalistic activities have attracted backlash. He referred to an instance in October 2025 where remarks were allegedly made about him during a public address by the Chief Minister of Punjab.

He further alleged that after he continued reporting on certain issues, including expenditure on advertisements, multiple intellectual property-related complaints were initiated against his content, resulting in the removal of his Facebook page.

In the present case, the controversy arose from a podcast aired by the petitioner in May 2026, wherein he discussed the upcoming 2027 Punjab Assembly elections allegedly in his capacity as a journalist and political commentator.

The plea sought stay of proceeding in all complaints arising out of the podcast and challenging the multiple inquiries and summons.

The matter is now adjourned to June 16.

Senior Adv RS Bains appeared for the petitioner

AG Maninerjit Singh Bedi appeared for the State

Title: RATTANDEEP SINGH DHALIWAL V/S STATE OF PUNJAB