New Delhi: The Press Club of India (PCI) has sharply criticised the Assam Police for filing an FIR against senior journalist Abhisar Sharma, terming the move a “direct assault” on press freedom and urging its immediate withdrawal.
The case against Sharma, filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, accuses him of making remarks that allegedly discredited elected governments, provoked communal sentiments, and threatened national integrity. The FIR cites provisions under Section 152 (sedition), along with Sections 196 and 197 dealing with promotion of enmity and imputations against national integration.
In its statement issued on August 22, PCI highlighted that the action comes despite the Supreme Court recently granting interim protection from arrest to The Wire editors Siddharth Varadarajan and Karan Thapar in a similar case under Section 152. “It is baffling that Assam Police has ignored the apex court’s directive in a comparable matter. Such actions reflect intolerance and disregard for press freedom,” the club’s statement, signed by PCI president Gautam Lahiri and secretary-general Neeraj Thakur, read.
The PCI also pointed to another incident earlier this month involving senior journalist and Editors Guild of India secretary Ruben Banerjee. His Odia-language YouTube channel, Mu Ruben Kahuchhi, was abruptly taken down by the platform citing a “circumvention policy” breach. According to PCI, Banerjee’s repeated appeals, backed by legal representation, were dismissed without explanation.
Calling both developments “clear signs of shrinking space for free speech,” the PCI urged media organisations and civil society groups to rally together to safeguard press freedom in the country.
