Sexual harassment allegations against journalists: NHRC seeks Delhi Police report over Jantar Mantar incident

New Delhi: The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of reports alleging that three women journalists were subjected to sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 3. The rights panel has sought a detailed report from the Delhi Police Commissioner within two weeks.

NHRC seeks report from Delhi Police

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday took suo motu cognisance of media reports alleging that three women journalists were subjected to sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on October 3.

The rights panel said the allegations, if true, raise serious issues concerning human rights. It has issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

Complaints referred to Crime Branch

According to the reports cited by the NHRC, the New Delhi district police received complaints following the alleged incidents. The complaints were subsequently referred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch for an inquiry.

On October 4, three women who identified themselves as journalists also lodged a complaint alleging that they were manhandled by Delhi Police officers and personnel while being detained during the October 3 protest.

Delhi Police said their complaint was registered and that medical examinations were conducted. The matter was subsequently referred to the Crime Branch.

What the NHRC is examining

The NHRC's intervention does not establish the allegations as proven. The Commission has sought a report from the Delhi Police as part of its examination of the reported incidents.

The allegations relate to the handling of the three women during a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The subsequent police inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged misconduct and the actions of the personnel involved.

Following the allegations, protesters demonstrated outside Parliament Street Police Station, demanding action over the reported incident. Police later detained protesters after a clash with police personnel, according to the reports.

The NHRC's notice now places the reported allegations under an additional human rights review, alongside the inquiry being conducted by the Delhi Police Crime Branch.

Why the NHRC notice matters

The NHRC's suo motu action means the Commission has independently taken up the reported allegations rather than waiting for a formal complaint before beginning its examination.

The immediate focus will be on the detailed report sought from Delhi Police and the findings of the Crime Branch inquiry. The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the NHRC has specifically stated that the reported violations would raise serious human rights concerns if established as true.

The case also highlights the scrutiny surrounding the treatment of journalists and protesters during demonstrations. Any findings from the police inquiry or the NHRC's proceedings could clarify what occurred during the detention of the three women and whether disciplinary or other action is warranted.