Calls Grow for Chief Justice’s Intervention After newsClick Raids: Arbitrary Seizures Raise Concerns

A day after the Delhi Police action on the NewsClick portal, several prominent press organizations have written to Chief Justice Of India DY Chandrachud, seeking guidelines for the interrogation of journalists and for seizures from them. The press bodies emphasized the importance of journalists being able to speak truth to power without fear of reprisal. They referenced the raids conducted on the homes of 46 NewsClick employees on October 3 and alleged that the country’s investigating agencies have been misused and weaponized against the press. The letter called for the establishment of norms to discourage arbitrary seizure of journalists’ phones and laptops, ensuring that investigations are relevant to actual offenses and holding state agencies accountable. The letter also noted that many journalists in India are working under the threat of reprisal. It demanded that the judiciary confront power with the truth of the Constitution and cautioned against subjecting journalists to concentrated criminal processes for their coverage. The letter was signed by 15 organizations, including Digipub News India Foundation, Indian Women’s Press Corps, and the Press Club of India. It also raised concerns about prolonged custody for journalists arrested under the UAPA anti-terror law and called for wide immunity against coercion and protection against police overreach. The letter emphasized the importance of safeguarding the democratic fabric of society and the media’s role in it. NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and human resources head Amit Chakravarty have been sent to police custody for seven days in a case filed under the UAPA. The letter also mentioned the case of Siddique Kappan, who spent more than two years in jail before securing bail, highlighting the need to address these issues to prevent prolonged legal battles. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the police action against NewsClick, stating that those involved in anti-India activities will face strict action as mandated by the people. Police have sealed NewsClick’s office in Delhi and have questioned 46 suspects, confiscating digital devices and documents for examination.