22 hrs ago
Press Bodies Condemn Kolkata FIR Over ‘Saffron Hooliganism’ Reports
Anandabazar Patrika used the phrase “saffron hooliganism” in reports about clashes at Jadavpur University.
A Hindu monk named Shastri Maharaj objected to the phrase.
Police registered a case against the newspaper’s editor, chief reporter and others.
The case was filed at Bowbazar police station in Kolkata.
It includes laws about creating religious hostility and hurting religious feelings.
The complaint asks police to find out who selected and approved the words.
Journalist groups say reporters must be able to describe difficult events, even when some people dislike the language.
They want the case withdrawn because they say it could frighten journalists and weaken a free press.
Journalist organisations condemned a Kolkata Police FIR against Anandabazar Patrika journalists over reports on Jadavpur University clashes.
The disputed expression was “gerua gundami,” translated as “saffron hooliganism.”
The FIR was registered at Bowbazar police station on August 28 after a complaint by Shastri Maharaj.
The complaint sought an investigation into who proposed, approved, edited and headlined the expression.
Press organisations demanded withdrawal of the FIR, warning that such cases could intimidate journalists and undermine press freedom.
- Who
- The FIR names Anandabazar Patrika editor Ishani Dutta Roy, chief reporter Soma Mukherjee and others; it followed a complaint by Shastri Maharaj.
- What
- Journalist groups condemned an FIR over the use of “gerua gundami” (“saffron hooliganism”) in reports about clashes at Jadavpur University.
- Where
- The clashes occurred at Jadavpur University, while the FIR was registered at Bowbazar police station in Kolkata.
- When
- The clashes were reported on August 19-20, including vandalism on August 20; the FIR was registered on August 28, and the joint statement was issued on Tuesday.
- Why
- The complainant objected to the phrase on religious-sentiment grounds, while press organisations said the FIR could intimidate journalists and suppress free reporting.
Press Freedom Advocates
Complainant’s Position
Use of the disputed expression
Press Freedom Advocates
The Indian Women’s Press Corps, the Press Association and the Federation of Press Clubs said journalists and editors must be able to report facts and use language that may be uncomfortable or offensive to some.
Complainant’s Position
Shastri Maharaj objected to “gerua gundami” and sought an investigation into whether its use could cause serious injury to religious sentiment.
Purpose of the investigation
Press Freedom Advocates
Press organisations said asking for the names and positions of everyone involved in choosing, editing and headlining the phrase appeared to target journalists and their bona-fide work.
Complainant’s Position
The complaint requested that police establish who proposed and approved the expression, who edited the report and who determined the headline.
Effect of the FIR
Press Freedom Advocates
The journalist groups said invoking Sections 196 and 299 and registering FIRs against reporters could intimidate the media, suppress free speech and weaken democracy.
Complainant’s Position
The complaint and reported demand for an apology treated the expression as a matter requiring police examination because of its possible effect on religious feelings.
Key facts
- Publication
- Anandabazar Patrika, a widely circulated Bengali news daily
- Disputed expression
- “Gerua gundami,” translated as “saffron hooliganism”
- FIR date
- August 28
- Police station
- Bowbazar police station, Kolkata
- Named journalists
- Editor Ishani Dutta Roy and chief reporter Soma Mukherjee
- Complaint
- Filed by Shastri Maharaj, described as a Hindu monk
- Invoked provisions
- Sections 196 and 299, each described as carrying a three-year jail term
- Press groups’ demand
- Immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to using police cases to intimidate journalists
Quotes
Indian Women’s Press Corps and Press Association
Journalist associations representing women journalists and press professionals
“We demand that the state and its machinery desist from using tools like the registration of FIRs to intimidate and suppress journalists and instead support a free press to strengthen democracy. In line with this, we call for an immediate withdrawal of the FIRs registered against the journalists of Anandabazar Patrika.”
telegraphindia.com
telegraphindia.com
“Journalists work to uncover the truth that can be unpalatable or even offensive to some, but it constitutes the core of our democracy. The increasing incidence of registration of FIRs against journalists is disturbing. It criminalises the journalist and shows disrespect for the role of a free press.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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