A journalist has filed a petition with the Punjab and Haryana High Court, requesting the initiation of an FIR against Haryana Police officials. The journalist alleges that during his coverage of a farmers' protest within Punjab's jurisdiction, he was struck on the head by a tear gas shell launched by the Haryana Police.

Neil Bhalinder, a journalist associated with Punjab Sawera, recounted an incident on February 13 wherein he sustained severe head injuries while covering the farmers' protest. He alleges that these injuries were caused by a tear gas shell fired by the Haryana Police within Punjab's jurisdiction.

The petitioner emphasized that numerous journalists have been victims of physical violence and gunshot wounds inflicted by Haryana police authorities at the Shambhu border. Despite being within Punjab's territorial jurisdiction, this border location has reportedly witnessed multiple instances of violence perpetrated by the Haryana police, according to the plea.

Bhalinder argued that the assaults on journalists constitute a violation of the freedom of the press guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a). He also raised questions regarding the authority and accountability of the Haryana police in carrying out actions that affect individuals within Punjab's jurisdiction.

Based on the aforementioned concerns, the plea requested the registration of FIRs against the responsible police officials. Additionally, the petitioner prayed for the issuance of appropriate directives to restrain all police authorities from engaging in the unwarranted beating of journalists and assaulting innocent civilians at the Shambhu Border.

Advocates Hakam Singh and Devpreet Sindhu for the petitioner.

Case Title: Neil Bhalinder Singh v. UOI & Ors.