First principles of journalism, democracy, rule of law and individual liberty determine that our opposition to injustice is always unqualified. Therefore, our condemnation of Maharashtra Police’s action against Arnab Goswami is unequivocal. It’s uncivil, vindictive, excessive, and also ultimately self-defeating. One police state can’t be any less worse than another.
Arnab Cowswami has been arrested for abetment of suicide on the strength of a suicide note left by the deceased. Where does the question of freedom of press comes from? Is being a journalist ( though he is not one ) gives him Carte Blanche for doing as he pleases including abetment to suicide? And if his arrest is political today, so was his protection in the same case during the previous BJP-SS Govt, when the case was hushed up.
It is eminently possible to investigate this case professionally, without custodial interrogation. If there is material for a case of abetment to suicide to stand in a court of law, the charge sheet can be filed and issues of arrest, bail, etc left to the Court’s discretion. In this particular case, there is a need to avoid any perception of bias or prejudice.
It is extremely embarassing and pitiful that the entire media – print and electronic – have left Arnab Goswami to fight his lonely battles. Most of us do not agree with his style of journalism. He is acerbic and perhaps even toxic. But none can question his integrity or his utility in fighting corruption in govts and public life. Even the Emergency period treated journalists better. The top journalists of this country can still reclaim their self respect and professional esteem by standing up for their fellow professional , AG both individually and institutionally. And do it now. You collective silence so far has been so unfortunate.