The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has raised concerns about a series of criminal complaints filed against the Telugu newspaper Sakshi in Andhra Pradesh. The guild has called on the new Telugu Desam Party-led government to ensure the press is not subjected to harassment or selective police action.
In a letter to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the EGI described it as "disturbing" that criminal cases had been lodged against Sakshi in various police stations.
The letter noted that in one instance, a case was filed against the newspaper alone, following its coverage of a political leader's press conference, an event that was also reported on by several other news outlets. The editor of Sakshi has publicly stated that his organisation was singled out for police action for what was a routine journalistic activity.
"This selective application of criminal law appears to be an overreach by the police," the letter stated. The Guild urged Naidu to ensure that the media in Andhra Pradesh is not subjected to "harassment through frivolous or selective criminal complaints."
The EGI also emphasised that police conduct must be professional and impartial and should not create the impression of vindictiveness against any publication. "Criminal laws should not be weaponised to stifle or intimidate journalists for carrying out their duties in the public interest," the letter added.
Sakshi is the official publication of the opposition Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) and is owned by the party's chief and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
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