MANDI: Various press clubs of Mandi district, including the Press Club Mandi, Press Club Sundernagar, Nerchowk, Pandoh, Padhar, Joginder Nagar, Sarkaghat, Karsog, Janjheli, Dharampur and Kotli have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, seeking the withdrawal of an FIR filed against Dharamshala-based web portal The Newz Radar.
The FIR, lodged on October 8 at Shimla’s Sadar police station, was based on a report published by the portal, which analysed the potential impact of the Himachal Pradesh government’s policies on the Haryana Assembly elections.
FIR sparks media backlash
The memorandum, submitted through Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, was signed by key members of the press fraternity, including Birbal Sharma, state president of the Himachal Pradesh Union of Journalists; Murari Sharma, president of the Mandi Press Club; NUJ(I) district president Ankush Sood, along with several other senior journalists and media representatives of the various press clubs of Mandi district.
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The journalists condemned the FIR as a direct attack on the freedom of the press, describing it as an attempt to stifle critical voices in the media. They argued that the FIR violates the principles of democracy, specifically targeting the news outlet for exercising its right to report on political developments.
Supreme Court ruling invoked
In the memorandum, the journalists referenced a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, which made it clear that criticism of government policies or actions did not constitute grounds for filing a criminal case against journalists. The journalists emphasised that the FIR against The Newz Radar was a violation of this principle.
Senior journalist Sunil Chadda of The Newz Radar had published an analysis following the Haryana election results, suggesting that the results might reflect on the governance in Himachal Pradesh.
Warning of statewide protest
The memorandum issued a stern warning to the government, stating that if the FIR was not withdrawn immediately, journalists across the state may be forced to take strong action, which could include protests and legal challenges. The memorandum stressed that such a situation would be detrimental to the government’s relationship with the press and could result in long-term repercussions.
Also Read:https://thenewzradar.com/press-club-of-india-slams-himachal-govt-for-fir-against-journalist-asks-cm-sukhu-to-revoke-it/
“The media serves as a crucial bridge between the government and the public, ensuring that developmental activities, policies and important information reach the people. Attacks like this only serve to disrupt that relationship,” the memorandum stated.
Advisors blamed for action
The journalists also questioned the advice that led to the FIR being filed, suggesting that those advising the government on this issue were not acting in its best interests. “Whoever recommended this course of action is doing a disservice to the government and harming its reputation. The government must avoid such ill-advised actions and focus on maintaining a healthy rapport with the media,” the memorandum warned.
In conclusion, the memorandum called on the Chief Minister to take immediate steps to cancel the FIR, restore trust between the government and the media, and prevent further escalations. The journalists urged the government to act swiftly to avoid a statewide protest that could severely strain relations between the administration and the media. The outcome of this appeal is now awaited, with journalists across the state closely watching the government’s next move.
