HC bats for freedom of press, gives journo relief

KOLKATA: The Calcutta high court has said it is the fundamental right of a reporter to publish news of “any illegal” activity “in an honest way”, and “proper reporting” can help the administration act against the offenders. Adivision bench comprising Justices Bibek Chaudhuri and Soumen Sen made this observation while granting anticipatory bail to a journalist from the Birbhum district whose report on illegal sand mining prompted three FIRs against him at three police stations.
The HC also added that it felt a case was registered “to stifle” the reporter’s voice. It also directed the Birbhum SP to probe the registration of FIRs against the reporter, investigate the bribery incident mentioned in the report and “take appropriate action against the offenders”.