NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea filed by two journalists who alleged that they were assaulted by police in Madhya Pradesh for reporting on the local sand mafia.
A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma decided to consider the plea, mentioned by the lawyer on behalf of the journalists.
The counsel contended the two journalists have been allegedly beaten up in a local police station in Madhya Pradesh, in an incident, which took place a month ago.
"They were reporting on sand mafia. It is very serious. They were beaten up in the police station. They have now sought protection," the counsel said.
He sought anticipatory bail for them, saying that they were apprehending arrest by police in Bhind.
The bench, after hearing the counsel, asked, "Why have you not gone to the High Court?"
The lawyer replied the petitioners were presently in Delhi.
The bench then asked, "So we should entertain all-India matters for anticipatory bail only because a journalist is there?"
The counsel claimed the lives of the petitioners were in danger and the Press Club of India had also condemned the incident.
The lawyer, while saying the petitioners don't have the wherewithal to move the High Court, asked the bench to list the plea for hearing.
The bench then agreed to list the matter for hearing.
