The Supreme Court on October 27 issued notice to Rahul Gandhi and other respondents on an application seeking registration of an FIR over an alleged incident involving a pregnant journalist during an opposition march inside the Court premises on October 12.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the direction after Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia mentioned the application in the pending case, Digant Mishra v. Union of India.
Background
The applicant, journalist Richa Parashar, alleged that Gandhi pushed her towards a gate during the gathering, causing her to lose her balance and fall. She stated that she was approximately 11 weeks pregnant at the time and subsequently sought medical attention at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
The application claimed that the incident occurred in a crowded area despite her requests not to be pushed.
"The applicant alleged that Respondent No. 4 pushed her forcefully towards the gate, causing her to lose her balance and fall. She stated that she tried to break her fall with her hands. According to the application, the incident took place in a crowded area in front of security personnel, journalists and other people, despite her repeated pleas not to be pushed."
The journalist further alleged that her phone was damaged during the fall and that she experienced lower abdominal pain. According to her application, she was discharged with medication and advised to undergo further scans and screening.
Parashar sought directions for immediate registration of an FIR against Gandhi and others under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She also requested preservation of CCTV footage and other recordings, compensation for alleged physical and mental trauma, and protection for herself and her family.
The application stated:
“The Applicant was not protesting, she was doing her job.”
She also alleged that no one stopped to assist her immediately after the fall and that subsequent public statements questioning her account compounded her distress.
The matter remains pending before the Supreme Court.
