Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Girl at Centre of Bhardwaj Arrest Appeals for Security
A 14-year-old girl says she is afraid that people may hurt her and her family.
She says the police have not yet given them enough protection, even though the Supreme Court ordered it.
Her father suffered a skull injury during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Swatantra Bhardwaj later allegedly spoke about the injury in a podcast, after which additional charges were reported against him.
The girl also says police complaints, called FIRs, were filed against her in different states.
She fears these complaints could make her travel to places where she might be attacked.
Because she feels unsafe, she says she cannot attend school or tuition.
This is affecting her preparation for Class 10 board examinations.
The Supreme Court has asked police in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to report on the situation and provide protection.
The 14-year-old girl said she and her family remain inadequately protected despite a Supreme Court security direction.
She cited continuous threats and alleged that cross-FIRs in different states could force her to travel to dangerous locations.
The girl said fear for her safety has prevented her from attending school and tuition during her Class 10 examination year.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over an FIR against the girl and the alleged stoning of her home by supporters of a man she accused of assault.
The court sought status reports from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh police and directed protection for the girl and her family.
- Who
- A 14-year-old girl, her family, Swatantra Bhardwaj, the Supreme Court, and police authorities in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
- What
- The girl appealed for urgent security, citing threats, cross-FIRs, alleged intimidation, and disruption to her education.
- When
- The appeal was posted on Friday, one day after the Supreme Court raised concerns; related court actions occurred on September 1 and Wednesday.
- Where
- The reported events involve Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the girl’s home in Uttar Pradesh, and police authorities in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- She says she fears for her and her family’s safety because of continuing threats, an FIR against her, and possible forced travel linked to cross-FIRs.
Girl’s allegations and appeal
Court and authorities’ response
Need for immediate protection
Girl’s allegations and appeal
The girl says continuous threats have left her genuinely afraid and that neither she nor her family has received adequate security despite the Supreme Court’s direction.
Court and authorities’ response
The Supreme Court directed that protection be provided and asked the solicitor-general to ensure adequate security for the child and her family.
FIRs and potential danger
Girl’s allegations and appeal
She describes the cross-FIRs in different states as false and fears they could be used to force her to travel to a place where she might face a life-threatening attack.
Court and authorities’ response
The Supreme Court sought status reports after learning that police had registered an FIR against her; the articles do not provide a police response disputing her account.
Effect on education
Girl’s allegations and appeal
The girl says safety concerns have stopped her from attending school and tuition during her Class 10 board-examination year.
Court and authorities’ response
The court has expressed concern about the allegations and ordered authorities to address the family’s protection, but the articles do not state whether security arrangements have been implemented.
- Girl’s age
- 14
- Education
- Class 10 student preparing for board examinations
- Protest location
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Security direction
- The Supreme Court ordered protection for the girl and her family
- Police authorities involved
- Delhi Police and Uttar Pradesh Police
- Reported legal action
- An FIR was registered against the girl, while fresh charges were added against Swatantra Bhardwaj
- Earlier Supreme Court action
- On September 1, the court quashed FIRs against paper-leak protesters and prohibited coercive action against them, subject to the stated exception for people with a criminal history
