The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted anticipatory bail to news reporter Rafiq Khan, who stands accused of editing and manipulating a viral video involving a Head Constable of the Ratlam Police. The video, published on a YouTube channel, was purported to show the constable accepting a bribe from an autorickshaw driver.
According to the case record, the altercation began when the Head Constable encountered an autorickshaw driver parked in a “no parking” zone near the railway station. Upon attempting to intervene, the driver fled, but was later stopped, and a traffic chalan was issued by the constable. Rafiq Khan recorded these events on video. The police later alleged that the reporter had tampered with the footage, making it appear as if the constable had accepted corrupt gratification.
On hearing Khan’s plea, the High Court evaluated whether there was a prima facie case justifying arrest, and whether his custodial interrogation was necessary. The Court observed that in cases involving potential media trial and reputational damage, the bar for arrest must remain high. Recognising that the reporter’s role may have been central to gathering the alleged evidence, the Court determined that non-custodial investigation would suffice at this stage.
Importantly, the Court imposed conditions on bail to safeguard the integrity of the investigation. Khan has been directed to cooperate fully with the investigation, make himself available for questioning, and not tamper with or influence evidence or witnesses. In this way, the Court has balanced the interests of the State in probing the alleged corruption with the journalist’s right to liberty and his role in reporting the incident.
Through this order, the High Court has affirmed that the specter of bribery requires careful inquiry, but also underscored the need to ensure that accountability mechanisms do not unduly infringe upon journalistic functions.
0 Comments
Thank you for your response. It will help us to improve in the future.