The Union government informed the Supreme Court that its response to allegations of illegal detentions and transport shutdowns in Delhi on October 10 is prepared but requires further refinement. The court extended the deadline for the government to submit its reply affidavit.
Multiple petitions, including those seeking contempt proceedings, were adjourned. The Solicitor General, representing the Centre, stated that while the affidavit was final, he wished to make it more comprehensive. The Court requested the government to share the affidavit by October 14 to facilitate a meaningful hearing.
The Court also agreed to urgently hear new petitions concerning police action against journalists, particularly women, during anti-CEC/SIR protests. A senior police officer is required to be present at the next hearing due to allegations of assault on women.
Organizations representing media professionals highlighted that the actions against journalists involved unlawful detention, forcible removal, and physical assault, which they argued undermines freedom of the press and democratic accountability.
Also read:Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota shot dead in Punjab
Source: thehindu.com
