Supreme Court Protects Journalist from Arrest

The Supreme Court has granted protection from arrest to a journalist from ABP News who conducted mobile phone interviews with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, implicated in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala. The court issued notices to the Punjab government and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the matter, emphasizing that interviewing inmates poses a serious breach of jail regulations. The bench acknowledged the journalist's role in investigative journalism and the threats he faces, but also noted that the interviews raised concerns about prison security. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the case could chill free speech rights, while the court confirmed that no coercive actions would be taken against the journalist pending further orders. The interviews, conducted in both Punjab and Rajasthan jails, have resulted in an FIR and an ongoing investigation into the circumstances allowing Bishnoi to communicate from prison. The situation reflects broader issues regarding media freedoms and the regulation of jail communications.