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Writer's pictureAdvocate Anil Lalla

Editors Guild of India writes to Amit Shah with concerns on new criminal laws

The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressing serious concerns over the potential misuse of new criminal laws as tools of harassment against journalists. In the letter, the EGI called for a rigorous review process to prevent such misuse.

The guild noted that over the years and under successive governments, many provisions under criminal laws have been misused to harass and intimidate journalists. They emphasized that since the inception of the EGI in 1978, the organization has been steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the press.

The EGI urged the Home Minister to address their concerns and ensure that journalists can carry out their duties without fear of reprisal or harassment under the new criminal laws.


Specific provisions in the new criminal laws that are causing concern for the Editors Guild of India

The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has expressed concerns regarding specific provisions in the new criminal laws, particularly the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS).

Key issues include:

- Reintroduction of Sedition: The BNS replaces the IPC’s sedition law with Section 152, which broadly punishes actions deemed to endanger national integrity, potentially targeting journalists for critical reporting.

- Expanded Police Powers: Recent amendments and laws, such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Criminal Procedure Identification Act, significantly increase police authority, raising fears of misuse against journalists.

Hence

The EGI advocates for a review process to protect press freedom and prevent harassment.

Please feel free to comment and express your views.


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