By Salonee Kulkarni
Irfan Mehaj and Rupesh Kumar, two independent journalists, have been detained by the Indian government, leaving an indelible mark on International Human Rights Day, celebrated on 10 December, the case study has prompted the Committee to Protect Journalists to draft a letter to the Indian Government urging the release of the detained journalists and allowing journalists to visit their families and implementing laws unlawfully, resulting in restricted work due to fear and retaliation.
A letter was addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Minister Amit Shah and the Press Council of India Chairperson, Justice Rajana Desai. CPJ highlighted that the harassment of journalists affects the credibility and reputation of an emerging economy in the global south that represents the world’s largest democracy.
The Asia Pacific director, Beh Lih Yi, recalls that the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act has been imposed unfairly under the current regime of the Modi Government. This was addressed by the director on Monday, stating that the Indian Government must uphold the democratic principles and values that it claims. The values should include journalists and their rights to report safely.
Rupesh Kumar Singh, an independent journalist, has been serving a jail term for three years. The food quality is poor, and immediate medical attention needs are not met despite health concerns being cited. The confinement hours in the cell are longer, and basic facilities are restricted, with no access to open spaces.
Though the number of imprisoned journalists in India has decreased from seven in 2021-2023. 15 journalists have faced investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, an anti-terror law. The journalists can be detained for 180 days without trial.
The UN treaty drafted by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights was signed by India. India is obliged to follow the rules of the International Human Rights Bill. Therefore, it is the moral and legal obligation of India to recognise the laws and uphold them internationally and domestically. Article 19 (1) (a) of the Indian Constitution ensures freedom of speech and expression. The imposition of which should not be distorted, and the media should be independent of institutions that monopolise their ownership. Thus, enabling democratic institutions to strengthen.
1,500 journalists have supported the advocacy. The journalists represent diversity. The diversity and integration of 100 journalists have led to a solidarity action at the Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Malaysia. The conference sparked dialogue about Governments and their uncontrolled power and ability to imprison journalists under vague laws. Further discussions are needed to address impunity against those who hinder the work of the press. Such damage can jeopardise India’s democratic reputation, its probability of slipping down the World Press Freedom Index rising with every undemocratic action.
The letter ends by urging the PM to look into matters of concern, which will shape and demonstrate India’s capacity to govern democratically with justice and public discourse in mind.