New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to grant bail to Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, who is accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, observing that allegations involving national security could not be treated lightly.
A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and S.C. Sharma dismissed Malhotra’s plea challenging the March 7 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had earlier denied her bail in the alleged espionage case. The top court termed the accusations against her “very serious” and said there could be “no compromise” when national security was involved.
Malhotra’s counsel argued that she had been in custody for over a year since her arrest in May 2025 and had no previous criminal record. However, the bench said these were matters to be examined during trial and declined to interfere with the High Court’s order.
Malhotra, a resident of Hisar who ran the YouTube channel “Travel with Jo”, is accused of maintaining contact with Pakistani officials and intelligence-linked individuals. Police alleged that she met Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, an official of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and remained in regular touch with him. Danish was declared persona non grata by India and expelled from the country in May 2025.
According to investigators, Malhotra allegedly travelled to Pakistan, met officers linked to its security and intelligence establishment, and later communicated with them through social media platforms. The case was registered under the Official Secrets Act and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
The prosecution has also claimed that forensic examination of her electronic devices revealed deleted conversations and communication through multiple online platforms. Investigators alleged that video footage and information related to strategic locations, including the Pandoh Dam in Himachal Pradesh and other sensitive establishments, were exchanged.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier held that there was sufficient prima facie material against Malhotra and refused bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the nature of the alleged anti-national activity. The Supreme Court’s refusal means Malhotra will continue to remain in custody while the trial proceeds.
