Legal challenges by journalist Abhishek Upadhyay

Journalist Abhishek Upadhyay has initiated legal proceedings in the Supreme Court of India against the Ghaziabad police regarding an alleged road-rage incident. Upadhyay contends that the First Information Report (FIR) is concocted and intended to harass him following his reporting on alleged financial irregularities involving donations to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

In his initial plea, Upadhyay sought to have the FIR quashed or requested that the investigation be transferred to an independent agency, citing fears of physical harm and police pressure to delete CCTV footage. The Supreme Court agreed to list the matter for a hearing.

Following the initial challenge, the legal dispute expanded as the Ghaziabad Police requested Upadhyay’s “digital footprint” from the social media platform X, dating back to June 1, 2026. Upadhyay’s counsel argued that this request is unrelated to the road-rage case and coincides with his reporting on the Ayodhya temple donations. The defense expressed concerns that such a request could expose the identities of journalistic sources. The Supreme Court has since granted Upadhyay interim protection from arrest and has sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the digital data request.