Media Bodies Condemn FIR Against Journalist Mahesh Langa, Demand Charges Be Dropped

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 28th Oct. Leading media organizations on Monday voiced strong opposition to the registration of an FIR against Gujarat-based journalist Mahesh Langa, citing concerns over restrictions on press freedom. The Editors Guild of India, Press Club of India, Press Association, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Delhi Union of Journalists, and Kerala Union of Working Journalists issued a joint statement urging authorities to withdraw the FIR, registered under allegations of possession of confidential documents, and to cease “harassment” of the journalist.

Langa, a correspondent with The Hindu, was reportedly arrested earlier this month by the Ahmedabad crime branch in connection with a GST fraud case, despite not being initially named in the primary FIR. A second FIR was later registered against him on October 22 by the Gujarat Maritime Board, alleging he was in possession of classified documents.

The media bodies emphasized that accessing sensitive information is integral to journalistic work, stating, “Journalists are often required to access and review sensitive documents in the course of their work, and initiating punitive action against them for doing their work is worrisome.” They appealed for swift and fair justice for Langa, expressing hope that the Gujarat Police would provide clarity on the accusations.

Suresh Nambath, Editor of The Hindu, had also expressed concern, calling for the charges against Langa to be dismissed. “Journalists are required to process documents, including those of a confidential nature, in the line of their work. To file charges against them for the possession of such documents is to undermine their journalistic work and their fundamental rights,” Nambath said.

The media bodies and The Hindu have both argued that holding journalists accountable for handling sensitive documents is detrimental to public interest and journalistic freedom. They urge authorities to respect journalistic duties in pursuit of transparency and information in the public’s interest.