It was stated in court that the journalist had been wrongly accused in a criminal case subsequent to capturing videos of illicit mining operations.
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WEST BENGAL: Reinforcing the crucial role of press freedom in a democratic society, the Calcutta High Court, led by a division bench comprising Justices Debangsu Basak and Md. Shabbar Rashidi, underscored the indispensability of safeguarding journalistic freedom. The court’s decision, delivered on January 18, emphasized the necessity of shielding the press from intimidation to maintain its freedom, a cornerstone of democracy.
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“Freedom of Press is indispensable to democracy. Freedom of Press can be maintained by ring-fencing the Press from intimidation. A journalist is part of the Press and his freedom to execute his journalistic endeavours needs to be protected,”
-the bench stated, highlighting the integral role of journalists in upholding democratic values.
This pronouncement came during the court’s proceedings regarding the anticipatory bail plea of Ranjit Das, a journalist associated with ABP Ananda news channel. Das was embroiled in a controversy following his coverage of illegal sand mining activities. He contended that his journalistic work led to the filing of a baseless criminal case against him. Conversely, the police alleged that Das was involved in extortion activities.
After careful consideration of the circumstances, including the possibility of Das being wrongfully implicated, the court granted him anticipatory bail. The bench ordered his release in the event of an arrest, subject to him furnishing a bond of ₹10,000 and two sureties. This decision marks a significant moment in the protection of press freedom in India, acknowledging the perils journalists often face in their pursuit of truth and justice.
The Calcutta High Court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the pillars of democracy, particularly the freedom of the press. It underscores the importance of ensuring that journalists can perform their duties without fear of retribution or undue influence, a principle vital for the health and vibrancy of any democratic society.
CASE TITLE:
[Ranjit Das vs State of West Bengal].
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