NHRC notices Delhi Police over sexual harassment of 3 women journalists at Jantar Mantar
Synopsis
The NHRC has stepped in suo motu after three women journalists alleged sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel during a Jantar Mantar protest on 3 October. With the Crime Branch now handling the complaint, an ACP voluntarily stepping aside, and the rights commission demanding answers within two weeks, the case cuts across press freedom, police accountability, and women's safety in one.
Key Takeaways
The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of allegations that three women journalists were sexually harassed by Delhi Police personnel at Jantar Mantar on 3 October 2026 .
A formal notice has been issued to the Delhi Police Commissioner , seeking a detailed report within two weeks .
Delhi Police confirmed receipt of the complaints and transferred them to the Crime Branch for a 'fair and impartial enquiry.' ACP Vivek Bhagat voluntarily requested to be removed from his temporary duty charge until the enquiry concludes.
The protests at Jantar Mantar were held despite prohibitory orders, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged SIR irregularities.
The Delhi government revised its 5 October order on officer assignments, excluding Bhagat from the list of 11 officers given additional charge.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of allegations that three women journalists were sexually harassed by Delhi Police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar on 3 October 2026. The rights body has issued a formal notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
What the NHRC Has Said
Observing that the contents of the media report, if true, raise serious issues of human rights violations, the NHRC acted on its own initiative after a press report published on 5 October brought the matter to light. The commission did not wait for a formal complaint to be filed, underscoring the gravity with which it views the allegations.
The notice requires the Delhi Police Commissioner to furnish a detailed factual account of the incident and the action taken thereafter.
What the Allegations Involve
According to reports, the three women journalists alleged they were subjected to sexual misconduct by police personnel while being detained at Jantar Mantar during protests that were being held in defiance of prohibitory orders. The protesters were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The New Delhi District Police confirmed it had received the complaints and transferred them to the Crime Branch for what it described as a 'fair and impartial enquiry.' In a post on X, Delhi Police stated: 'New Delhi District has received their complaints, and the same have been transferred to Crime Branch for fair and impartial enquiry.'
Officer Steps Aside Voluntarily
Vivek Bhagat, Assistant Commissioner of Police, voluntarily requested that he be relieved of his temporary current duty charge assignment until the enquiry was completed and its findings satisfactorily concluded. The Delhi government subsequently revised an 5 October order that had assigned additional charge to senior police officers — the updated order excluded Bhagat while covering the remaining 11 officers.
Notably, Bhagat's decision to step aside ahead of any official directive marks an unusual instance of pre-emptive accountability within the force.
Background and Broader Context
The incident at Jantar Mantar adds to a growing list of complaints about the conduct of law enforcement personnel during political demonstrations in the capital. Critics argue that the detention of journalists — who were present in a press capacity — and alleged misconduct against them strikes at both press freedom and the personal safety of women in public spaces.
The NHRC's suo motu action signals institutional concern, though the commission's notices are advisory in nature; compliance and follow-through depend on the police and government administration.
What Happens Next
Delhi Police has a two-week window to submit its report to the NHRC. The Crime Branch inquiry is simultaneously under way. Depending on the findings, the NHRC may recommend disciplinary action, compensation, or refer the matter for further legal proceedings. The case is likely to draw sustained scrutiny given the dual dimensions of alleged police misconduct and press freedom.
Point of View
But it is worth noting that the commission's notices carry no coercive authority — they require cooperation from the very institution under scrutiny. The voluntary recusal of ACP Bhagat is notable precisely because it is rare; it may reflect internal recognition that the optics are damaging rather than an established norm of accountability. What remains unanswered is how journalists present in a press capacity came to be detained in the first place, and whether prohibitory orders were applied selectively. That question — about the boundaries of press access during protests — is the one mainstream coverage has so far underweighted.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NHRC notice to Delhi Police about?
The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner seeking a detailed report within two weeks on allegations that three women journalists were sexually harassed by police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar on 3 October 2026. The NHRC acted suo motu after a media report on the incident was published on 5 October.
What action has Delhi Police taken on the harassment complaints?
Delhi Police confirmed it received the complaints from the three women journalists and transferred them to the Crime Branch for a 'fair and impartial enquiry.' The force also posted a statement on X confirming the transfer of the cases.
Who is ACP Vivek Bhagat and why did he step aside?
Vivek Bhagat is an Assistant Commissioner of Police in Delhi who voluntarily requested to be relieved of his temporary duty charge assignment until the harassment enquiry is completed and concluded satisfactorily. The Delhi government subsequently revised its officer assignment order, removing him from the list of 11 officers given additional charge.
What were the Jantar Mantar protests about?
The protests at Jantar Mantar on 3 October 2026 were held despite prohibitory orders in place. Demonstrators were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
What can the NHRC do based on its findings?
The NHRC can recommend disciplinary action, monetary compensation for victims, or refer the matter for further legal proceedings after reviewing Delhi Police's report. However, its recommendations are advisory and enforcement depends on the government and the police administration acting on them.
