Mokokchung, 04 October (MTNews): Eighteen organizations of journalists and media outlets have collectively penned a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of India, expressing their concerns about the state of press freedom and journalism in the country. In a voluntary and free coalition of organizations representing the free press, they have called upon the judiciary to safeguard the values of freedom of speech and expression enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The plea comes in response to the incident on 3 October 2023, when the Special Cell of the Delhi Police raided the homes of 46 journalists, editors, writers, and professionals seemingly connected in one way or another to the online news portal, NewsClick. The raids led to the arrest of two individuals under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the seizure of mobile phones and computers without ensuring the integrity of their data—a basic protocol essential to due process.
The letter, a joint effort by these media entities, appealed to the highest judicial authority in India, emphasizing the pivotal role of a free press in upholding democracy and freedom in the nation. It underscored the judiciary’s responsibility to protect the Constitution, which guarantees these fundamental freedoms.
The letter pointed out that a significant portion of journalists in India is currently working under the shadow of potential reprisals. It urged the judiciary to confront the government with the fundamental truth that everyone, including those in power, is answerable to the Constitution.
The letter also drew attention to past misuse of investigating agencies against the press, including cases of sedition and terrorism charges against editors and reporters. It highlighted the multiple, sequential, and often frivolous FIRs filed against journalists, which have been used as a means of harassment.
While acknowledging that the letter does not seek to circumvent legal procedures, it emphasized the necessity of addressing the inherent malice in processes such as summoning journalists and seizing their devices during investigations.
The media organizations called for transparency in investigations, stressing that just as the police are required by the Constitution to state the grounds of arrest, it should be a precondition for questioning. They argued that vague assertions about unspecified offenses should not be used as grounds for questioning journalists about their coverage.
The letter emphasized that journalists are not above the law but highlights the chilling effect on the media and the democratic fabric of society when journalists are subjected to concentrated criminal processes due to government disapproval of their coverage.
The media organizations requested that the judiciary intervene to curb the increasingly repressive use of investigating agencies against the media. They expressed their concern that if these actions are allowed to persist, it may become too late for corrective measures, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The letter concluded with a strong appeal: “There have been many instances over the past few years when assaults on the free press by the State have required judicial intervention, and we continue to pursue such cases. But the developments over the past 24 hours have left us no option but to appeal to your good conscience to take cognizance and intervene before it is too late, and an autocratic police state becomes the norm.”
The 18 organizations included in this collective effort are: Digipub News India Foundation, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Press Club of India, New Delhi, Foundation for Media Professionals, Network of Women in Media, India, Chandigarh Press Club, National Alliance of Journalists, Delhi Union of Journalists, Kerala Union of Working Journalists, Brihanmumbai Union of Journalists, Free Speech Collective, Mumbai, Mumbai Press Club, Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists, Press Association, Gauhati Press Club, Indian Journalists Union, Kolkata Press Club, and Working News Cameramen’s Association (WNCA).