Lawfare – Journalists

An FIR was filed against Sanjeev Sharma, editor of Samwad Bharat, by Shimla Police. Sharma had reposted a Facebook message from the son of a road accident victim, which criticized the police response.
A statement released by the Press Club of India says action against reporter, portal for reposting victim’s account undermines press freedom.

The Press Club of India (PCI) on Sunday (August 3, 2025) urged Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene and withdraw a first information report (FIR) registered by the Shimla police against a journalist and a news portal.

The Club criticised the police action against journalist Sanjeev Sharma and the news portal Samwad Bharat, terming it “a clear attempt to intimidate and silence independent journalism”.

“The FIR alleges that the journalist spread misinformation and tarnished the image of the police. In reality, Sharma and Samwad Bharat merely reposted a Facebook message by the son of a road accident victim, who raised serious concerns about the police’s delayed response despite multiple emergency calls,” the Club said, adding that the journalist’s post highlighted valid concerns and demanded accountability.