Editors Guild Condemns FIR Against Journalist Ajit Anjum in Bihar

New Delhi-  The Editors Guild of India has expressed deep concern over the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against journalist Ajit Anjum in Bihar, calling it an excessive response to what appears to be legitimate reporting.

Anjum, who runs a popular YouTube channel, was booked at Bihar’s Balia police station after he and his team visited a block-level election office to cover the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. His subsequent report highlighted alleged irregularities in the revision process.

Following a complaint by an election official, Anjum has been charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Representation of the People Act, 1951, for allegedly interfering with the electoral process, provoking communal discord, and spreading misinformation.

In its statement, the Editors Guild clarified that it does not seek to defend or dispute the content of Anjum’s report. However, it strongly objected to the criminalization of journalism, stating that authorities have other means—such as issuing clarifications or rebuttals—to address disputed reporting.

“The registration of an FIR for what appears to be a legitimate journalistic exercise seems excessive,” the Guild said. “Criminalizing journalism and invoking serious legal provisions against journalists should not be among the tools used to counter media reports.”

The Guild urged authorities to ensure that journalists, including Anjum, can perform their professional duties without impediments. It emphasized the need for all stakeholders to uphold responsible and truthful journalism.

The statement was jointly issued by Anant Nath (President), Ruben Banerjee (General Secretary), and K Ve Prasad (Treasurer) of the Editors Guild of India.

The case has sparked concerns over press freedom, with media watchdogs calling for a fair resolution that does not deter investigative reporting.