Editors Guild condemns FIR against journalist critical of Modi’s policies
New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India has condemned the First Information Report (FIR) filed against Mahesh Langa, a journalist from The Hindu, who is regarded as critical of the Modi government’s policies.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Langa, who is currently in judicial custody, is viewed as an independent voice critical of the BJP-led state government.
The Editors Guild criticized his arrest as a threat to press freedom, denouncing the government’s claim of recovering confidential documents from his possession. The Guild argued that journalists must have access to sensitive information to hold the government accountable.
In a press release, the Guild expressed concern that the registration of a second FIR against Langa for possessing these documents is “worrisome,” as it could deter journalists from investigating issues of public interest. They emphasized that such legal actions undermine the media’s role as the “fourth pillar” of democracy.
Suresh Nambath, editor of The Hindu, voiced his concerns on social media, highlighting that the FIR was classified as “sensitive” and not publicly accessible, which he deemed unacceptable. He reiterated that journalists should be able to process confidential documents in the interest of public accountability.
