Editors Guild Demands Immediate Release of Freelancer Mandip Punia

New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India on Monday expressed concern over the incarceration of freelance journalist Mandeep Punia who was reporting on the farmers' protest at Singhu border, saying the arrest was an attempt to muzzle courageous voices of independent scribes.

In a statement, the EGI demanded immediate release of Punia and "Delhi Police restore circumstances in which the media can report without fear or favour."

Punia and Dharmender Singh (with Online News India) were detained by Delhi Police on Saturday evening for allegedly misbehaving with security personnel on duty at the Singhu border where farmers have been protesting the Centre's three farm laws.

While Singh was later released, the police arrested Punia on Sunday.

"The EGI is deeply concerned over the incarceration of freelance journalist Mandeep Punia who was reporting on the farm protest from the Singhu border. Punia's arrest is an attempt to muzzle young courageous voices of independent journalists that through reporting are busting fake news and speaking truth to power.

"EGI demands that Mandeep Punia be released forthwith and Delhi Police restore circumstances in which the media can report without fear or favour," the statement signed by EGI president Seema Mustafa said.

The Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Club of India and the Press Association had on Sunday demanded Punia's immediate release and said no journalist should be disturbed while carrying out their duties at any place.

"Such crackdowns impinge on the media's right to report freely and interferes with our right to freedom of expression, and freedom of the press as guaranteed by the Constitution of India," the bodies had said in a joint statement.

Arrested Scribe’s Bail Plea Order on Tuesday

A Delhi court will pass an order on Tuesday on the bail application of freelance journalist Mandeep Punia who was arrested by Delhi Police from the Singhu border protest site where farmers are agitating against the three agri laws passed by the Centre.

Punia was arrested by police on Sunday in an FIR registered under various sections including 186 (Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty) of IPC.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Satvir Singh Lamba reserved the order for Tuesday after hearing the arguments of the accused as well the public prosecutor.

Advocate Akram Khan, appearing for Punia, told the court that the accused was merely carrying out his journalistic duties.

Khan said that another journalist was detained along with Punia but he was released around midnight. 

The reason police gave different treatment to the accused was because he was not carrying a press card, the counsel said.

“Accused is a freelance journalist and not carrying a press card can be no grounds for a case or arrest. The accused is a well-respected member of the society being a journalist including being a frequent contributor to the Caravan magazine,” he said.

Delhi Police sought dismissal of bail application, saying he may again indulge in instigating the protestors and create nuisance at the protest site. 

Punia was sent to 14-day judicial custody on Sunday.