New Delhi: Members of the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) and the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (Delhi Unit) staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against sedition and other criminal cases filed against senior journalists Karan Thapar, Abhisar Sharma, and Siddharth Varadarajan.
In Assam, an FIR has been lodged against journalist and YouTuber Abhisar Sharma over a video related to alleged “communal politics” by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the alleged allocation of 3000 bighas of land to a company owned by the Adani Group. Additionally, two FIRs have been filed against The Wire in Assam, targeting editors Karan Thapar, Siddharth Varadarajan, and the portal for interviews, comments, and reporting on Operation Sindoor and other issues.
Protesting journalists described these actions as retaliatory measures by the Assam government against those speaking truth to power. Posters at the demonstration carried slogans such as “Journalism is not a crime” and “Journalism is not sedition.”
Addressing the gathering, Prasoon Kandath and D. Dhanasumod from the Kerala Union of Working Journalists, along with S.K. Pandey, Sujata Madhok, A.M. Jigeesh, and Mukund Jha from the Delhi Union of Journalists, stated that attacks on press freedom pose a threat to democracy. Senior journalist Sangeeta Barua Pisharoty, speaking on behalf of The Wire, emphasised the urgent need to protect press freedom. Pamela Philipose asserted that journalism cannot function in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
The protesters urged the Supreme Court to repeal the sedition clause from the Indian Penal Code, citing its misuse against journalists critical of the establishment. A memorandum was submitted to the Assam government’s Principal Resident Commissioner, appealing for the immediate withdrawal of cases against journalists and an end to coercive investigations. The gathering concluded with slogans in support of press freedom and democracy.
Earlier, on August 22, 2025, the Delhi Union of Journalists condemned police brutality against a Lallantop journalist and cameraperson covering a student protest over alleged irregularities in the Staff Selection Commission recruitment exam. The union reported that Delhi Police detained the journalists despite their identification, confiscated their equipment, including mobiles, cameras, and microphones, and forcibly placed them in a police van. The union termed this a direct assault on press freedom.
The Union noted that attacks on journalists, arbitrary lawsuits, arrests, and restrictions on coverage have increased in recent years, particularly during election periods, warning that the absence of a free environment for impartial reporting jeopardises the democratic right of the public to accurate information.
The Delhi Union of Journalists demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident, action against the guilty police personnel, and the formulation of robust policies to ensure journalists’ safety. The union stated, “Press freedom is not just a right of journalists but of citizens. Journalism will weaken in an atmosphere of fear and repression, impacting democracy.”
— global bihari bureau
