India's Top Court Protects Journalist's Right to Report

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India upheld the right of journalists to freely report without fear of criminal charges for criticizing the government. The case involved journalist Abhishek Upadhyay, who faced an FIR (First Information Report) in Uttar Pradesh for publishing an article on

"caste dynamics within the state's general administration."

The court, led by Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, emphasized the importance of free speech enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.

They declared that reporting should not be a reason for criminal prosecution.

The court issued an interim order protecting Upadhyay from coercive action by the Uttar Pradesh government while seeking a response from the state on the matter. This decision sets a precedent for press freedom in India and strengthens the ability of journalists to hold authorities accountable.