Editors Guild Moves SC after FIR Files in Manipur Against Fact-Finding Team

The Editors Guild of India (EGI) on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court, seeking protection from coercive action in two FIRs in Manipur against its President Seema Mustafa and fact-finding team of three members.

The FIR were lodged after EGI published a report on the recent riots in the northeastern state.

The matter was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing the EGI, brought the matter to the Court’s attention. He explained that two FIRs have been lodged against Guild members in Manipur, and they are seeking protection from any coercive actions related to these cases.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh stated on September 4 that a police case had been filed based on a complaint against the president and three members of the Editors Guild of India. They were accused of attempting to “provoke clashes” in the state. A second FIR was also registered against these four Guild members, with an additional charge of defamation.

In a report published on Saturday, the Guild criticized the internet ban in Manipur, deeming it detrimental to media coverage. The report also condemned what it perceived as one-sided reporting by certain media outlets and suggested that the state leadership had exhibited partisanship during the conflict period.