The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea on August 25, 2026, by journalist Abhishek Upadhyay challenging an FIR filed by Ghaziabad police. Upadhyay claims the case, involving charges under the SC/ST Act, is a retaliatory measure linked to his investigation into Ram Temple donation irregularities.
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a petition filed by journalist Abhishek Upadhyay challenging a First Information Report (FIR) registered against him by the Ghaziabad Police. The matter is scheduled for hearing on August 25, 2026. The legal challenge brings attention to the intersection of investigative journalism and legal accountability, as Upadhyay claims the police action is a direct result of his reporting on alleged corruption and financial irregularities surrounding donations to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
The Legal Dispute
The FIR in question was lodged at the Indirapuram Police Station regarding an alleged road rage incident that reportedly took place near Shipra Mall in Ghaziabad on August 18, 2026. The police complaint invokes several stringent legal provisions, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Information Technology Act. Upadhyay contends that the charges are fabricated and that the incident was manufactured to suppress his ongoing journalistic work regarding administrative corruption in Uttar Pradesh.
Allegations of Intimidation
In his petition before the apex court, Upadhyay has detailed concerns regarding the conduct of the investigation. He alleges that law enforcement officials have engaged in intimidation tactics, including raiding his residence. Furthermore, the journalist has claimed that there have been attempts to pressure local shopkeepers near the site of the alleged incident to delete CCTV footage. He argues that this footage is essential evidence that could clarify the facts of the case, and its potential destruction poses a significant risk to a fair investigation.
Plea for Independent Probe
Citing a fear of imminent arrest and potential physical harm, Upadhyay stated that he did not feel safe approaching the Allahabad High Court. His plea seeks the intervention of the Supreme Court to either quash the FIR or transfer the case to an independent investigative body. He has suggested agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation or the Delhi Police, arguing that such a transfer is necessary to ensure impartiality and protect the integrity of the evidence. The upcoming hearing is expected to determine the procedural path forward for the investigation and address the journalist's concerns regarding the handling of the case.