Allahabad High Court Quashes Case Against Aroon Purie, Prabhu Chawla Over India Today Child Abuse Report

The Allahabad High Court quashed criminal proceedings against India Today Group Chairman and a former Editor in connection with a 1997 report exposing child abuse at a children’s home.

The Court held that the publication highlighting sexual exploitation of minors did not incite disharmony or unrest in society. Emphasising the press’s duty to reveal social wrongs, it found no evidence of malice or intent to sensationalise.

The Bench observed that responsible journalism on issues of public interest must be protected from unwarranted prosecution. Consequently, the summoning order and all pending proceedings before the Special Judicial Magistrate (CBI), Lucknow, were set aside.

[Prabhu Chawla v State of UP and another]