Press Club Urges Andhra CM to End Police Pressure on Journalists

Swift summary

• The Press club of India has requested Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to prevent State police from allegedly targeting journalists for publishing stories in public interest.
• The Press Club’s president Gautam Lahiri and secretary general Neeraj expressed concerns about the “systematic hounding” of Sakshi newspaper’s editor and journalists by Andhra Pradesh Police.
• Four FIRs have been filed against Sakshi staff for covering a press conference organized by an Opposition party leader, even though multiple outlets reported on the same event.
• Allegedly, criminal laws were invoked selectively against Sakshi staff, raising concerns about frivolous application of legal provisions to suppress press freedom under Article 19(1)(A) of the Constitution.
• This incident aligns with a broader pattern across India where multiple complaints across jurisdictions are filed against journalists.

[Published – September 16, 2025]

Indian Opinion Analysis

The systematic filing of FIRs against journalists raises important questions about press freedom in India. Given that Article 19(1)(A) of the Constitution explicitly protects free speech and expression-including journalistic endeavors-such actions by authorities can undermine democratic principles if not appropriately scrutinized. Selective targeting,as alleged in this instance involving Sakshi newspaper,creates a chilling effect on media organizations reporting critical or opposing viewpoints.

This issue appears reflective of broader challenges faced by journalists nationwide where legal intimidation tactics are employed to restrict coverage deemed unfavorable. Accountability mechanisms within law enforcement need strengthening to prevent misuse while ensuring journalism adheres to ethical standards without undue interference. For India’s democracy to thrive,safeguarding unbiased media remains paramount.

Read More