The North News
Chandigarh, January 3
The Chandigarh Press Club has demanded the immediate withdrawal of criminal cases registered against journalists and online content creators over reports alleging misuse of the Punjab chief minister’s official helicopter, warning that it will move the Punjab and Haryana High Court if relief is not granted.
Addressing reporters on Saturday, the press club members said the filing of cases amounted to an attack on freedom of speech and expression and an attempt to curb press freedom. The press club president Saurabh Duggal said the organisation had sought the intervention of the Punjab Governor and had written to him seeking action in the matter. “If such actions are not challenged, they could become a trend to suppress the free press,” he said, adding that the club hoped the government would withdraw the cases without court intervention.
The protest follows FIRs registered against journalists and YouTubers for reports highlighting the alleged misuse of the official helicopter of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. On January 1, the press club had condemned the Punjab government and the state police, describing the cases as a sign of “intolerance towards critical reporting” and an attempt to intimidate the media.
Duggal said that if the government disputed the facts or interpretation of the reports, democratic options such as issuing clarifications or rebuttals were available. “Resorting to criminal proceedings sends a chilling message to journalists and discourages investigative reporting,” he said.
In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, the Chandigarh Press Club said reporters and media organisations in Punjab had faced a series of actions in recent months that undermined their constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression.
The press club said these developments were creating a “disturbing atmosphere” in which journalists were increasingly fearful of carrying out their professional duties.
FIRs against journalists
Among the concerns highlighted was the registration of police cases against journalists in Bathinda and YouTubers in Ludhiana over reports alleging misuse of the official helicopter of the Punjab chief minister.
The press club said that even if the government believed the reports were inaccurate, there were established democratic ways to respond, including issuing clarifications or placing factual information in the public domain.
“Criminal proceedings against journalists have a chilling effect and set a dangerous precedent,” the memorandum said.
It also urged the Governor to seek transparency from the Punjab government, not only on helicopter usage but more broadly on the use of public funds, arguing that accountability should not come at the cost of criminalising reportage.
Disruption to newspaper distribution
The memorandum also referred to incidents in November last year when vehicles carrying newspapers were stopped in several parts of Punjab, severely affecting distribution.
The press club said this had interfered with the public’s right to information and amounted to indirect censorship of the print media.
Social media restrictions
Another issue raised was the suspension of social media accounts belonging to journalists and media organisations.
The press club said social media had become an essential tool for journalism and that arbitrary action against such platforms raised serious concerns about freedom of expression.
Call for action
In its appeal, the Chandigarh Press Club urged the Governor to intervene to safeguard press freedom in Punjab, recommend the withdrawal of FIRs registered against journalists and digital media practitioners for their professional work, and issue directions to ensure that journalists can work without fear or intimidation.
“A free and independent media is the cornerstone of democracy,” the memorandum said, warning that attempts to silence journalists weakened democratic institutions and eroded public trust.
The press club said it remained committed to defending media rights and hoped for timely intervention to uphold constitutional and democratic values.
