Press Club of India Demands Accountability for Police Action Against Journalist Poonam Pandey

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/31st July 2024

The Press Club of India (PCI) has expressed strong disapproval of the recent police action against Poonam Pandey, a journalist with Navbharat Times. Pandey was detained on Monday evening while covering a demonstration near Kartavya Path. The PCI has called for disciplinary action against the involved personnel and strict guidelines to prevent future incidents of high-handedness towards journalists.

Poonam Pandey was returning from South Block to her office when she stopped to cover a demonstration organized by Mahila Congress workers who were demanding women’s reservation. Despite identifying herself as a journalist and presenting her press credentials, Pandey was physically prevented from filming the protest by police personnel. To make matters worse, she was detained along with the demonstrators. This incident has raised serious concerns about the freedom of the press and the treatment of journalists in India.

The PCI, representing the journalistic fraternity, has condemned this action in no uncertain terms. They assert that journalism is not a crime and that attempts to silence journalists are direct assaults on democracy. This incident, occurring so close to the seat of power and Parliament House, highlights a disturbing trend. It suggests an attitude towards a free press that is not only dismissive but also antagonistic. The PCI’s statement emphasized that this act of aggression by security personnel is characteristic of the current administration’s broader attitude towards media freedom.

The club’s management has demanded an independent judicial inquiry to determine whether security personnel have been given instructions to target and intimidate journalists covering events that might be uncomfortable for those in power. Such an inquiry, they believe, is essential to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear of harassment or violence.

The PCI’s president, Gautam Lahiri, voiced the collective outrage of the journalistic community. He underscored the need for immediate and stringent actions against those responsible for this incident. Lahiri pointed out that this is not an isolated event but part of a growing pattern where journalists are increasingly facing obstacles and threats in the course of their work. He emphasized that protecting journalists is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant democracy.

Neeraj Thakur, the Secretary General of the PCI, echoed these sentiments. He highlighted the importance of an independent and fearless press in a democracy. Thakur called on the government to take concrete steps to safeguard the rights of journalists. He also urged fellow journalists to stand united against such acts of intimidation and to continue their work undeterred.

The incident involving Poonam Pandey is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in India today. It underscores the urgent need for mechanisms that protect journalists and hold those who threaten them accountable. The PCI’s demand for an independent judicial inquiry is a step in the right direction. Such an inquiry could not only bring justice in this particular case but also set a precedent that deters future attempts to suppress the press.

In conclusion, the Press Club of India’s strong stance against the detention of Poonam Pandey reflects the broader concerns of the journalistic community. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to ensure that journalists can work freely and without fear. Democracy thrives on the free flow of information, and any attempt to obstruct this flow is a threat to the very foundation of democratic society. The PCI’s call for accountability and protection for journalists is, therefore, a vital step towards preserving the integrity of the press and, by extension, democracy itself.