The Supreme Court has granted interim protection from arrest to journalist Abhishek Upadhyay, who has reported on alleged irregularities involving donations collected for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The court also directed the Uttar Pradesh Police to provide him with a copy of the FIR registered against him.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana passed the directions while hearing Upadhyay’s plea challenging the FIR.

Journalist Challenges Ghaziabad FIR

The FIR was registered by Ghaziabad Police in connection with an alleged road-rage incident. It accuses Upadhyay of assaulting and threatening another person during the incident.

Upadhyay has denied the allegations, claiming that the case was fabricated and intended to intimidate him because of his independent journalistic work. He also told the court that authorities had not provided him with a copy of the FIR despite his requests.

Allegations Over CCTV Footage

In his plea, Upadhyay has also alleged that police personnel pressured local shopkeepers to remove or delete CCTV footage from the period surrounding the alleged incident.

He has sought the quashing of the FIR and, alternatively, requested that the investigation be handed over to an agency other than the Uttar Pradesh Police.

Ram Mandir Donation Reporting

Upadhyay has linked the case to his reporting on questions surrounding the collection and management of donations for the Ram Mandir. His plea argues that the FIR should be considered in the context of his journalism on the issue.

Separately, petitions concerning the financial management of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust have been raised before the Supreme Court. The petitions have sought an independent investigation into the collection, accounting and use of donations received from devotees.

Some petitioners have called for an investigation by an independent agency, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), along with preservation and examination of relevant financial records.

Investigation to Remain Under Scrutiny

The Supreme Court’s interim protection means Upadhyay cannot be arrested in connection with the challenged FIR while the matter remains under consideration, subject to the court’s directions.

The case is likely to remain significant for both the journalist’s legal challenge and the broader debate over transparency in investigations involving journalists reporting on sensitive public issues.

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