New Delhi – On October 10, police in India’s capital detained nearly three dozen journalists from outlets such as the Indian Express, Scroll and Newslaundry while they were covering a youth‑led demonstration. Reporters said officers dragged them, seized phones and microphones, and held them for several hours before releasing them.
Protest Over Voter‑List Revision
The demonstration was organized by the “cockroach” youth movement and backed by opposition parties. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that more than 130 million voter names were removed from the electoral roll to advantage Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party in recent elections. The Election Commission has denied the allegation.
Police Actions and Media Response
According to interviews with journalists, some were clearly identified as members of the press when they were seized. One reporter from Newslaundry recounted being dragged, having his microphone grabbed and his phone snatched while he was interviewing people on a bus. The Reuters journalist covering the scene was also briefly detained.
Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the number of journalists detained or the reasons for the force used. Earlier, police posted a video on X claiming that some protesters had pretended to be journalists and interfered with police work.
Legal and International Reactions
Following the arrests, lawyers petitioned India’s Supreme Court for a ruling that would protect the ability of lawyers and journalists to perform their duties. The court ruled in favor of the petitioners, but some detentions occurred after the order was issued.
Reporters Without Borders India representative Ritika Jain condemned the police actions, stating, “The actions of the Indian authorities during the recent student protests demonstrate how their tactics are designed to stifle media coverage and can be combined to suppress journalism.” She called for the removal of restrictions such as detentions, surveillance, internet shutdowns and the removal of journalistic content.
The Press Club of India, the nation’s largest journalist association, described the police conduct as “a blatant attack on press freedom.” In a joint statement with three other media bodies, the clubs demanded a formal apology and an investigation into senior police officials.
Press Freedom Context
India currently ranks 157 out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders press‑freedom index, down from 133 a decade ago. Critics attribute the decline to the Modi government’s increased attempts to restrain the press and limit space for dissenting voices during its 12‑year rule, a claim the government routinely denies.
The Indian constitution guarantees journalists’ rights under free‑speech provisions, while also allowing reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order. The recent incidents highlight the tension between those constitutional protections and the authorities’ enforcement actions.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
