Punjab Press Gallery Committee Requests Action on Delhi Police Detaining Journalists
Punjab Press Gallery Committee Takes Strong Action After Journalists’ Detention by Delhi Police
The Press Gallery Committee of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha has strongly condemned an incident in New Delhi that saw several journalists from Punjab unlawfully detained by Delhi Police. The journalists, who were covering the Delhi Vidhan Sabha elections on February 1, 2025, were held for over eight hours at the Tughlaq Road police station. This incident, which involved the illegal detention of media personnel, has raised serious concerns regarding the safety and rights of journalists during election coverage.
The Committee, under the leadership of its Chairman, Ashwani Chawla, has submitted a formal complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner, urging immediate action against the responsible police officers. The Punjab Press Gallery Committee has labeled the incident a direct violation of democratic norms and a clear affront to the free press.
Incident Details: Journalists Detained for Reporting Election Malpractices
The incident unfolded as a group of journalists from Punjab, who were stationed in Delhi to cover the ongoing elections, uncovered a significant violation of the Model Code of Conduct. While reporting on the election, the journalists witnessed members of a political party allegedly distributing liquor and other materials to influence voters, an illegal practice prohibited under the election law.
As the journalists documented this illegal activity, they were detained by the Delhi Police, allegedly without cause, and held in the Tughlaq Road police station for an extended period. Despite their repeated requests for release, the journalists were not allowed to leave the station for nearly eight hours, which is a clear violation of their rights.
Ashwani Chawla, the Chairman of the Press Gallery Committee, expressed his outrage over the incident, calling it an unacceptable breach of press freedom. He said, “It is beyond comprehension that journalists, who were simply doing their duty by reporting on illegal election activities, were detained in such an unlawful manner. This kind of treatment is a grave violation of democratic rights and cannot be allowed to continue.”
Press Gallery Committee’s Formal Complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner
In light of the incident, the Press Gallery Committee of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha has demanded immediate and stringent action from the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). In their official complaint, the Committee has urged the CEC to hold the responsible Delhi Police officials accountable for their misconduct.
The Committee’s complaint stresses the importance of ensuring that journalists are able to carry out their duties freely and without fear of harassment or detention. The Press Gallery has also called for stronger security measures for media personnel who are covering sensitive events such as elections. Journalists play a crucial role in safeguarding the democratic process by reporting on elections, and it is essential that their rights are protected.
In a statement issued by the Committee, Chawla added, “It is the responsibility of law enforcement to uphold the rights of journalists and ensure they can carry out their work without obstruction. We demand that the authorities take swift and decisive action against the police officers responsible and ensure that such incidents do not occur again.”
Violations of the Model Code of Conduct: What Happened During the Incident
The journalists in question were not only detained for exposing the truth but were also witnesses to serious electoral violations. According to reports, several political operatives were caught in the act of distributing liquor and other materials to sway voters, violating the Model Code of Conduct, which governs electoral practices in India. This conduct is deemed illegal and is strictly prohibited by the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections.
The journalists’ decision to report on this misconduct was not only an act of professional duty but also an essential contribution to upholding democratic integrity. It is crucial that such instances of illegal activity are brought to light, but sadly, their efforts were thwarted by the very law enforcement officers who should have supported them.
Importance of Media Freedom in Election Coverage
The unlawful detention of journalists highlights an ongoing issue concerning media freedom in India, especially during elections. Journalists, as the watchdogs of democracy, are critical in ensuring that elections are free, fair, and transparent. When such incidents of intimidation or harassment occur, it undermines the media’s ability to report without fear and sends a dangerous message about the protection of journalistic rights in the country.
In a democratic society, it is essential that the media remain independent and uninfluenced by political pressures. The actions of the Delhi Police, as outlined in this incident, have raised alarms about the safety and security of journalists in politically charged environments like elections.
Calls for Stronger Action and Accountability
The Press Gallery Committee’s complaint reflects a broader concern about the treatment of journalists covering elections in India. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s press body has called for a review of how journalists are treated by law enforcement agencies and for better safeguards to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Ashwani Chawla has urged the Chief Election Commissioner and other authorities to act swiftly and decisively. The Committee’s request is not just about seeking justice for the journalists involved but also about ensuring that such mistreatment does not recur and that the rights of the media are respected.
Conclusion:
The unlawful detention of journalists by Delhi Police has highlighted a disturbing trend of media harassment during elections. As the Punjab Press Gallery Committee calls for swift action against those responsible, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater protection and respect for journalists covering critical events. By holding those accountable, the authorities can restore public trust in the electoral process and ensure that the media can continue to play its vital role in democracy.