"Touchées et poussées": Des femmes affirment avoir été harcelées sexuellement pendant les manifestations de Delhi

The Supreme Court of India addressed concerns regarding the treatment of journalists and women protesters during recent demonstrations in Delhi. The court heard a petition filed by the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI), which highlighted allegations of violence and sexual harassment faced by women journalists covering protests in Delhi on October 10 and prior dates. The petition, represented by senior advocate Indira Jaising, sought the formation of an independent commission to investigate these allegations, comprising primarily former women judges, Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, eminent citizens, and social activists. The court issued directions stating that no coercive action should be taken against a woman journalist accused of making casteist remarks against Delhi Police assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat. This followed her allegation that the FIR against her was a countermeasure to her complaint of sexual harassment against ACP Bhagat during a protest in the capital. The Delhi High Court had previously declined to hear the journalist's plea challenging the FIR against her for allegedly making casteist remarks, publicly humiliating Bhagat, and obstructing him from performing his official duties. The Supreme Court expressed concerns about the scope of protections that should be extended to journalists covering protests, emphasizing the need to balance the right to free speech with the right to practice journalism. The court noted the complexity of defining who qualifies as a journalist, given the proliferation of individuals using technology to disseminate information. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the police, argued that the current situation makes it difficult to distinguish between genuine journalists and others claiming the title, suggesting that some videos produced by journalists could be AI-generated. During the proceedings, Jaising emphasized the need for a standardized operating procedure to protect women journalists, who often face no obstacles while reporting from conflict zones but encounter violence and harassment during protests at locations like Jantar Mantar. She stressed the importance of ensuring that no coercive actions are taken against any woman journalist alleging harassment. The court acknowledged the challenges posed by the current scenario, where the lines between professional journalists and self-proclaimed ones blur. It indicated that the formation of an independent commission would depend on further deliberation and input from relevant parties. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has been scrutinized for its handling of women protesters, with reports indicating incidents of inappropriate touching and physical abuse by male officers during detentions. These developments underscore the ongoing debate about the rights and protections afforded to journalists and protesters in the context of public demonstrations, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and mechanisms to address grievances effectively.