The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), Delhi Unit, has approached the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeking urgent intervention over the alleged unlawful detention, physical assault, manhandling and intimidation of working journalists covering student protests in Delhi on 10 and 11 October 2026.

The writ petition, filed through Dr. D. Dhanasumod, Secretary of KUWJ, Delhi Unit, raises serious concerns regarding the safety of journalists discharging their professional duties, the freedom of the press, and the alleged violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution.

According to the petition, several accredited journalists covering the protests were allegedly targeted by personnel of the Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) while documenting the events on the ground.

The journalists identified in the petition include Mr. Suhail Muhammed, Chief Reporter and news anchor of 24 News; Mr. V.S. Rahul, cameraperson of 24 News; Mr. Sajin, reporter of Asianet News and member of KUWJ; Ms. Roshni Rajan and Ms. Farsana, women journalists; Mr. Vishnuprasad, press photographer of Mathrubhumi; and Ms. Miji P. Jose, senior reporter of Manorama News.

The petition alleges that journalists were physically restrained, dragged away, manhandled, and detained despite displaying their press credentials. It further alleges that some journalists were subjected to prolonged questioning and intrusive searches, while a photographer's camera was sought to be snatched and a woman journalist was physically assaulted while reporting live.

A particularly serious concern raised in the petition is the alleged disregard of the interim directions issued by the Supreme Court. The petition refers to the order dated October 9 in Diary No. 63560/2026 and the subsequent order dated October, 11 in Contempt Petition (Civil) Diary No. 63801/2026 and Writ Petition (Criminal) Diary No. 63858/2026, the latter order expressly stated that “lawyers, journalists and other professionals shall not be hindered in discharge of their professional duties in any manner whatsoever.”

The petition contends that the alleged incidents warrant an independent examination of whether the actions of the police and security personnel were consistent with the Court's directions and the constitutional protections available to journalists.

The writ petition relies, inter alia, on photographic material and contemporaneous video recordings relating to the alleged incidents. It also seeks the preservation and production of relevant electronic and documentary evidence, including CCTV footage, body-worn camera recordings, photographs, drone footage, police deployment records, detention registers and official communications.

Reliefs sought before the Supreme Court

KUWJ, Delhi Unit, has sought an independent, impartial and time-bound enquiry into the incidents; appropriate action against officials found responsible; directions to prevent unlawful interference with journalists covering public events; and measures to ensure their safety and operational freedom.

The petition also seeks preservation of relevant evidence, compensation for affected journalists, appropriate proceedings in respect of the alleged violations of the Court's orders, and binding guidelines to safeguard journalists discharging their professional duties.

The petition underscores that the freedom of the press is integral to a functioning democracy. Journalists must be able to document public events and report matters of public concern without unlawful obstruction, intimidation or coercion. Any alleged use of force against journalists performing their professional duties must be examined through a fair and independent process, in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.

KUWJ, Delhi Unit, has approached the Supreme Court in its representative capacity to seek protection not only for the journalists directly affected but also for the broader journalistic fraternity and the public's right to receive information.

The allegations contained in the petition are matters for examination by the competent authorities and the Court. The reliefs sought are intended to secure accountability, protect fundamental rights and ensure that journalists can discharge their professional responsibilities without unlawful interference.

The Petition has been filed by Ms. Anne Mathew, Advocate-on-Record.