Lawfare – Journalist

On April 25, Shivhare, who is based in Geedam, Dantewada, ran the story of Mayuri Sharma on his website Bastar Ki Aawaz. The story, headlined “Helpless homemaker had to sell appliances to buy rations, administration didn’t help”, includes a video of the woman explaining her ordeal. Shivhare’s story was picked up by fellow local journalists, and published in outlets such as Jandhara Samachar.

The next day, Shivhare got the notice from the sub divisional magistrate of Dantewada. Claiming his report is a “misleading post based on incomplete and incorrect information”, the notice declares, “The whole nation is dealing with the pandemic and publishing such posts can create an atmosphere of fear in the public. The post has damaged the image of the administration, therefore this action of yours has disregarded the order of administration and comes under the category of punishable offence.”

The magistrate also threatens to file an FIR against the journalist, and summons him to provide an explanation. Turns out, it’s the magistrate’s notice that’s based on incorrect information, not Shivhare’s story. Mayuri told Newslaundry that she indeed had to sell her fridge because she didn’t have enough food to feed her family.