New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India has taken a serious note of the police lodging FIRs against journalists in different states on the basis of “frivolous” complaints, condemning the latest instance in which veteran journalist Vinod Dua has been booked by the Delhi Police.
In a statement issued Monday, the Guild said it is deeply concerned by the growing tendency among police in various states “to take cognisance of frivolous charges” against journalists and convert them into an FIR.
“The latest instance is of the Delhi Police’s FIR against veteran journalist Vinod Dua, based on a complaint by Naveen Kumar, who has been identified as a spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party,” the statement read.
It added the accusations are a “brazen attack on his right to free speech and fair comment”.
“An FIR based on this is an instrument of harassment setting off a process that is itself a punishment,” it said.
“The Guild unequivocally condemns this practice and urges the police to respect Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms rather than behave in a manner that raises questions on its independence,” it said.
Last week, the Delhi Police registered a case against Dua for alleged misreporting on the Delhi riots in February through his show on YouTube. Dua had called the Prime Minister “toothless” and said the central government did nothing to stop the violence during the riots.
On the complaint of Naveen Kumar, the Delhi Police registered a case under Sections 290 (punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) and 505(2) (statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes) of the IPC.
Also read: Deeply disturbing that criminal laws are being used to intimidate journalists: Editors Guild
Editor Guild is not a political outfit and should not behave in a biased manner.Where were you when nearly 150 politically motivated cases were filed by Conress people Gainst Arnow. Non of you uttered a single word.If Arnow is biased in favour of BJP in your eyes, Dua is a well established BJP hater.Let law take it’s own course.
BJP is the most corrupt party in the world, hope the Andh – bhakths will soon realise it
only for few persons editor guild comes to defence? what about the arnab goswami that time where was your guild and what about sudhir chaudhary where a FIR was issued in kerala at that time no guild.. or the guild is runned by those whose who speak against the interest of INDIA. time changes even when ur article is only for selected person!
If Vinod Dua has spread lies and hatred, which is his speciality then he should face the music. This man should be behind bars for the next 5 years at least. Should be given stringent punishment as per the law. And he is not a journalist. He is a congress mouthpiece and thus by any stretch of imagination he cant be speaking in the nation’s interest. Freedom of speech is not for spreading lies and hatred. And editors guild should also be disbanded as it is seriously biased, anti Modi. It is silent on arrest on Arnab, attempt on his life by congress goons, FIRs against Sudhir Chaudhary. Why ? Those heading this useless guild seemed to be on congress payrolls the way they take up issues selectively. Shame.
The Print, your reach is not more that 3%. That too people read to understand your thoughts….. Even all wonder why so choosing for report….aap ne kabhi or reporter ki liye socha nahe…India Wants to know……
Ye public hai sab janati hai….?
Guild or Guilty?
This incestual club has outlived its utility.
This club has real, political biases and come to the defense of persons like Dua.
Dua is a mouthpiece of you know, whom? While FIR against Arnab was not good enough to raise this Guild’s conscience.
Dua, deliberately stoked the fires of communalism in NE Delhi and thus FIR against him is justified.
Guild? or Guilt.
The same body was silent, while an FIR was lodged against Arnab.
Why?? Is being a right wing spokes person, is a fair game??
Dua has vested interests in the type of reporting he does and deserve the medicine of truth.
FIR is justified.