Chandigarh Press Club Condemns FlRs against journalists and You Tubers
Calls it an attack on Press Freedom
01/01/2026
Chandigarh, January 01 (KIP)-The Chandigarh Press Club strongly condemns the action of the Punjab Police and the Punjab Government for registering FIRS against sèverai journalists from the Bathinda region and YouTUbef9 from Ludhiana. These FIRs have reportedly been filed in connection with journalistic reports highlighting the alleged misuse of the official helicopter of the Chief Minister of Punjab.
The Chandigarh Press Club believes that the state government's action reflects intolerance towards critical reporting. Registering FIRs against journalists and digital content creators is a clear attempt to intimidate and pressurize the media fraternity for reporting on issues of public interest and holding those in power accountable.
If the government had objections to the facts or interpretation presented in these reports, there were established democratic and legal mechanisms available such as issuing clarifications, denials, or rebuttals. Resorting to criminal proceedings instead sends a chilling message to journalists and is a deliberate attempt to suppress independent voices and discourage investigative journalism.
The Chandigarh Press Club is deeply concerned that this is not an isolated incident. There have been easier instances as well where the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab has taken steps that undermine the freedom of speech and expression, a fundamental pillar of democracy.
The Chandigarh Press Club reiterates that a free, fearless, and independent press is essential for the healthy functioning of a democracy. Any attempt to muzzle the media through coercive state action is unacceptable.
The Chandigarh Press Club stands firmly with the journalists and content creators facing these FlRs and demands that the Punjab Government immediately withdraw the cases.
Journalists from Bathinda named in the FIR: Maninderjit Sidhu, Mintu Gursaria, Mandeep Singh and RTI adivist Manik Goyal.
FIRs have also been registered against six You Tubers from Ludhiana.
The Chandigarh Press Club reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of press freedom and freedom of expression