Delhi High Court: ACP Vivek Bhagat SC/ST Act FIR Against Journalist Proceeds

• The Delhi High Court has ordered the continuation of an investigation into an FIR filed against a woman journalist.
• The FIR, lodged under the SC/ST Act, accuses the journalist of using casteist slurs and public humiliation against ACP Vivek Bhagat.
• ACP Bhagat's complaint stems from an incident during a protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
• Justice Mini Pushkarna issued notice on pleas from the journalist and the owner of Digi News.
• The journalist had previously accused ACP Bhagat of sexual harassment.

The Delhi High Court's decision to permit the investigation to continue in the SC/ST Act FIR against the journalist holds considerable weight, particularly given the public profiles of those involved.

The Delhi High Court has directed that an investigation will proceed in a First Information Report (FIR) filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against a woman journalist. This significant development occurred on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, with the court's decision allowing the probe to continue into allegations made by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat. The ACP had lodged a complaint asserting that the journalist subjected him to public humiliation and used casteist slurs.

The allegations stem from an incident that reportedly took place during a public protest targeting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The Delhi High Court's order came as Justice Mini Pushkarna issued notice on petitions brought forward by both the implicated woman journalist and the owner of Digi News, the media organization she is associated with. This ruling means that despite the challenges mounted by the journalist and her employer, the legal process initiated by ACP Bhagat's complaint will not be halted at this stage.

The FIR in question invokes the SC/ST Act, a stringent law designed to prevent atrocities against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The specific accusations against the journalist include the use of casteist slurs against ACP Vivek Bhagat, alongside claims of public humiliation. Such charges carry serious legal implications, reflecting the legislature's intent to protect vulnerable communities from discrimination and abuse.

Adding a layer of complexity to the case, the woman journalist had previously leveled her own serious accusation against ACP Bhagat, alleging sexual harassment. This counter-allegation introduces a dynamic where both parties are facing grave accusations, though the Delhi High Court's current ruling specifically addresses the continuation of the investigation into the SC/ST Act FIR against the journalist. The Justice Mini Pushkarna ruling underscores the court's initial stance that the allegations warrant further scrutiny by law enforcement.

The Delhi High Court's decision to permit the investigation to continue in the SC/ST Act FIR against the journalist holds considerable weight, particularly given the public profiles of those involved. It signals that even in cases involving media professionals and law enforcement officers, and despite counter-allegations, the initial legal process for serious charges like those under the SC/ST Act will be allowed to run its course. This outcome could influence how similar complaints are handled in the future, especially when they involve public figures or events.

The ongoing nature of this investigation highlights the complexities inherent in legal disputes where multiple serious accusations are made by opposing parties. For the woman journalist and the Digi News owner, the issuance of notice on their pleas by Justice Mini Pushkarna means their arguments will be heard, but the immediate consequence is that the probe into the casteist slurs Vivek Bhagat allegedly faced will proceed. This case serves as a reminder of the robust legal framework in place to address caste-based discrimination, and the court's commitment to ensuring such allegations are thoroughly examined.

Lawyers advising clients accused under the SC/ST Act, especially those in public-facing roles or involving media, should note that courts are allowing investigations to proceed despite counter-allegations, emphasizing the need for robust defense strategies and awareness of prolonged legal processes.

Source: Original reporting via Lawbeat News Desk