21 hrs ago
Press Bodies Challenge FIR Over ABP's 'Gerua Gundami' Report
Anandabazar Patrika published a report that used the phrase “Gerua Gundami.”
A police case, called an FIR, connected to the report was criticized by press organizations.
TMC MP Mahua also challenged the West Bengal government over the issue.
The Indian Women’s Press Corps and Press Association said the accusations against the newspaper were baseless.
They also referred to comments reportedly made by Suvendu Adhikari at a public rally.
According to the organizations, he asked the newspaper to apologize.
The press bodies said such language could make independent journalism harder.
They described free and fair journalism as essential to democracy.
TMC MP Mahua criticized the West Bengal government over Anandabazar Patrika's report using the term “Gerua Gundami.”
The Indian Women’s Press Corps and Press Association criticized an FIR linked to the report.
The press bodies cited remarks reportedly made by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at a public rally.
According to their statement, Adhikari demanded an apology from Anandabazar Patrika for using the term.
The organizations warned that matching language from a Hindu monk and the state’s highest office could harm free and fair journalism.
- Who
- TMC MP Mahua, Anandabazar Patrika, the Indian Women’s Press Corps, the Press Association, and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
- What
- A dispute over Anandabazar Patrika’s use of the phrase “Gerua Gundami,” an associated FIR, and demands for an apology.
- Where
- West Bengal.
- When
- On the day of Suvendu Adhikari’s public rally; no specific date is provided.
- Why
- Press bodies said the accusations were baseless and warned that the language used could threaten free and fair journalism.
Press-freedom critics
Report critics and government position
The FIR
Press-freedom critics
The Indian Women’s Press Corps and Press Association criticized the FIR connected to the report, describing the accusations as baseless.
Report critics and government position
The report’s use of “Gerua Gundami” prompted a demand for an apology and was connected to an FIR, though the available report does not detail the government’s full justification.
Public remarks
Press-freedom critics
The press bodies said it was troubling that the language of the state’s highest office reportedly matched accusations made by a Hindu monk.
Report critics and government position
According to the statement, Suvendu Adhikari demanded that Anandabazar Patrika apologize for using the disputed term.
Impact on journalism
Press-freedom critics
The press organizations warned that such language does not support free and fair journalism, which they called essential to democracy.
Report critics and government position
The available report does not provide a detailed response from the West Bengal government to that criticism.
Key facts
- Newspaper
- Anandabazar Patrika
- Disputed phrase
- “Gerua Gundami”
- Press organizations
- Indian Women’s Press Corps and Press Association
- Chief minister mentioned
- Suvendu Adhikari
- Political figure mentioned
- TMC MP Mahua
- Central issue
- An FIR and a demand for an apology over the newspaper report
- Press bodies’ concern
- The organizations said the remarks could undermine free and fair journalism
Quotes
Indian Women's Press Corps and Press Association
Press organizations commenting on the reported remarks and their implications for journalism
“It is disconcerting to note the baseless accusations of a right-wing Hindu monk and the language of the highest office in the state is the same. It certainly does not bode well for pursuit of free and fair journalism, the very life breath of our democracy”
timesnownews.com
Sources
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