Wed Feb 05 15:55:53 UTC 2025: ## Madras High Court Condemns Seizure of Journalists’ Phones in Anna University Assault Case Investigation
**Chennai, February 5, 2025** – The Madras High Court has strongly criticized the seizure of mobile phones from journalists covering the Anna University sexual assault case, calling it an assault on the press. Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan issued the ruling while disposing of writ petitions filed by the Chennai Press Club and individual journalists whose phones were confiscated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The court deemed the police action a violation of Section 15(2) of the Press Council Act of 1978, which protects journalists from being compelled to disclose their sources. Justice Ilanthiraiyan ordered the immediate return of the seized phones and prohibited the SIT from inquiring about journalists’ family details or confidential sources. He highlighted that the source of a journalist’s information is privileged communication.
The judge further criticized the SIT for summoning journalists who had only viewed the FIR on the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) portal, without first questioning police and officials responsible for uploading it. He noted that the Supreme Court mandates the public uploading of FIRs only for non-sensitive cases, and that uploading the FIR in this sexual assault case was a violation of this order. The judge expressed concern over the police’s explanation that the upload was due to technical glitches.
Justice Ilanthiraiyan clarified that while the SIT can summon journalists for inquiry, they cannot harass them with irrelevant questions. He directed the SIT to complete its inquiry with the petitioners by February 10th. The ruling underscores the court’s commitment to protecting press freedom and upholding journalistic integrity.
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