NWMI Files Writ Petition in SC over Assault and Detention of Journalists
The Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court on 13 October 2026 over the assault and arbitrary detention of journalists by Delhi Police personnel during the anti-SIR protests protests in New Delhi. It raised in particular, the issue of women journalists, who were subjected to physical handling, dragging, detention and confinement.
NWMI had issued a statement on 12 October 2026 condemning the assault and arbitrary detention of journalists on 10 and 11 October 2026 in New Delhi and Mumbai despite directions from the Supreme Court. Journalists were covering the protests in New Delhi and other places led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged electoral irregularities.
Over the past couple of months, there have been several instances of harassment and intimidation of women journalists. NWMI’s statements on these:
Social Media Statement on Sexual Harassment of Women Journalists 5 October 2026
NWMI condemns Targeted Harassment and Intimidation of Women Journalists, Demands Accountability 21 September 2026
NWMI Stands with Anandabazar Patrika Journalists 6 September 2026
NWMI Condemns Assault on Women Journalists by Delhi Police 5 September 2026
Updates On Writ Petition:
15 October 2026
No coercive action should be taken against journo: SC- Hindustan Times
13 October 2026
SC seeks answers from Delhi Police over alleged assault of women journalists- The New Indian Express
Explain assault on women journalists, SC tells Delhi Police- The Siasat Daily
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) welcomed petitions by Free Speech Collective, NWMI, and Molitics journalist Amaan Rastogi seeking accountability from Delhi Police over the detention of journalists. CPJ documented at least 37 journalists temporarily detained, several assaulted or obstructed, and phones seized.
Read the writ petition below:
