Press Club of India Demands Withdrawal of FIR Against Journalist in Himachal Pradesh

New Delhi: Press Club of India on Saturday demanded withdrawal of FIR against a journalist in Himachal Presh allegedly for his report of Haryana assembly elections.

PCI said practice of silencing media through FIRs has regrettably become commonplace in several states, irrespective of which party holds power.

Club said it has come to kw through reports that Himachal Presh Police in Shimla has lodged an FIR against Sunil Chha, a journalist with News Rar.

"We wish to remind Himachal Presh government that freedom of press is a cornerstone of democracy and justice," press body said in a statement here.

It said journalist was reportedly facing harassment every day due to his analytical reporting on Haryana state assembly election results.

PCI has expressed solidarity with Chha, defending cause of press freedom.

"We call upon Himachal Presh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to withdraw FIR against News Rar journalist, and also ensure that his state's police personnel are properly educated about role and functioning of media," PCI urged.

(With PTI inputs)