The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra Police to file an affidavit in response to a petition filed by journalist and YouTuber Sneha Barve, who was allegedly assaulted and is facing ongoing threats.
The Allegation: Barve claims she was brutally assaulted with an iron rod on July 4, 2025, while reporting on illegal construction in Pune. Following the attack, she has received continued threats to her life.
The Plea: Barve sought police protection from the court, stating that her repeated letters to the Superintendent of Police had gone unanswered.
The Court’s View (Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam A Ankhad): The bench flagged the growing pattern of harassment against journalists reporting sensitive issues in Maharashtra. The Court observed, “This is happening. We have this understanding that they are doing it with the journalists. Whoever reports something against them, they try to harass.”
The High Court, though expressing dissatisfaction with the formatting of the petition, directed the Additional Public Prosecutor representing the state to file a detailed affidavit on the matter by September 29.
When a High Court explicitly acknowledges a pattern of harassment against journalists in the state, is the government fulfilling its duty to protect the freedom of the press and the safety of reporters?
