Journalist Abhishek Upadhyay, who reported on the alleged theft of Ram Mandir donations in Ayodhya, has approached the Supreme Court against a request by Ghaziabad Police seeking his digital information from X, formerly known as Twitter.
The plea was mentioned before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana. Upadhyay's counsel told the court that the police had sought information about his activities on the social media platform dating back to June 1, 2026.
Journalist says digital data could expose sources
Advocate Anoop Prakash Awasthi, appearing for Upadhyay, said X had informed the journalist about the request made by the Criminal Investigation Department of Ghaziabad Police.
"On the 26th, I was informed by X at its California headquarters that there is a request made by the investigating department, Criminal Investigation Department of Ghaziabad Police, to provide his entire digital footprint from June 1, 2026," Awasthi was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench.
He argued that the requested information was not connected to the road rage case registered against Upadhyay. The alleged road rage incident took place on August 18, while the police request covers activity from June 1.
According to the journalist's counsel, the period sought by the police coincides with the time Upadhyay was gathering material for his reports on the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft.
Supreme Court agrees to examine concerns
Awasthi told the court that disclosure of the digital information could potentially reveal Upadhyay's journalistic sources.
"Digital footprints being sought from June 1, 2026 up till date. That is the week when he actually collected the evidence to break the story of Ram Mandir donation theft. I am seeking permission to move an application because if that is disclosed, the entire source will be at the mercy of the State machinery and they will be harassed," Awasthi submitted.
The Supreme Court said it would examine the concerns raised by the journalist.
Road rage case already before Supreme Court
The latest plea is linked to the road rage case in which Upadhyay had earlier secured interim protection from arrest. On August 25, the Supreme Court granted him protection after he sought quashing of the FIR.
The case was registered on August 18 following a complaint by a two-wheeler rider, who alleged that Upadhyay's vehicle hit his motorcycle from behind and that he was subsequently threatened and abused.
Upadhyay has alleged that the case was filed in retaliation for his reporting. His plea also claims that CCTV footage related to the incident was sought from nearby establishments.
The Supreme Court has sought the Uttar Pradesh government's response. The matter will next be heard on September 7.