Madras High Court Slams Police for Seizing Journalists' Phones in Sexual Assault Case

The Madras High Court condemned the police for seizing journalists' phones in the Anna University sexual assault case.

The court ruled that such actions violated press freedom and journalists' privacy rights, which are safeguarded under the Press Council Act, 1978 and Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.

The court emphasized that forcing journalists to reveal personal information and sources amounts to an assault on the press.

The case arose from a petition filed by journalists whose phones were seized while investigating the leak of an FIR. The court reaffirmed the protection of journalists from unwarranted intrusions.