Farmers Protest: Journalist Claims He Sustained Head Injuries From Tear Gas Shell Fired By Haryana Police In Punjab, Moves High Court

A journalist has moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking registration of FIR against the officials of Haryana Police who allegedly struck tear gas shell that landed on his head while he was covering farmers' protest within Punjab government's jurisdiction.

Neil Bhalinder, a journalist from Punjab Sawera stated that on February 13, while he was covering the farmers' protest sustained "severe head injuries as a result of being struck by a tear gas shell fired by the Haryana Police in jurisdiction of Punjab."

The petitioner highlighted that "thousands of journalists have been subjected to physical violence and gunshot wounds inflicted by the Haryana police authorities at the Shambhu border."

This border location, despite being within the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab, has reportedly been the site of numerous instances of violence perpetrated by the Haryana police, the plea added.

Bhalinder contended that attacks on journalists is violation of freedom of press under Article 19(1)(a) and questioned the authority and accountability of the Haryana police in taking actions that impact individuals within Punjab.

In light of the above, the plea sought registration of FIR against responsible police officials. Petitioner also prayed to issue appropriate directives restraining all police authorities from engaging in the unwarranted beating of journalist and assaulting innocent civilians at Shambhu Border.

Advocates Hakam Singh and Devpreet Sindhu for the petitioner.

Title: Neil Bhalinder Singh v. UOI & Ors.