Issues Strict Directives for the Safety of Journalists and Social Workers

निशाकांत शर्मा (सहसंपादक) June 14, 2025 in देश - 2 Minutes

NEW DELHI –

The Indian Media Foundation (BMF) has issued crucial and stringent directives to ensure the safety of journalists and social workers. Under this new mandate, if a journalist or social worker receives a threat while reporting or engaging in their work, and the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) fails to take action within 4 to 8 hours of receiving a formal complaint, the aggrieved party is empowered to immediately write to the District Superintendent of Police (SP), their state’s Director General of Police (DGP), and the Press Council of India (PCI), demanding action against the errant SHO.
A.K. Bindusar, founder of the Indian Media Foundation, released a statement asserting, “Journalists and social workers are vigilant guardians of society. They should not face any form of threat or obstruction in carrying out their duties.” He further emphasized, “If no action is taken within 4 hours of a complaint regarding a threat, the concerned Station House Officer and the regional police will be held directly responsible.”
This directive comes at a time when incidents of attacks and threats against journalists and social workers are on the rise across the country. The Indian Media Foundation believes that prompt and effective action in such cases is crucial to ensure media freedom and the unimpeded work of social activists.
Key Points of the Directive:

First Phase: Upon receiving a threat, the journalist or social worker must immediately submit a detailed complaint to their regional Station House Officer.
Second Phase: If the SHO fails to take satisfactory action within 4 to 8 hours, the aggrieved individual must then send a complaint letter to the District Superintendent of Police (SP), their state’s Director General of Police (DGP), and the Press Council of India (PCI), targeting the concerned SHO.
Objective: The primary goal of this mandate is to ensure swift police action on threats received by journalists and social workers, and to make law enforcement agencies accountable for their responsibilities.
A.K. Bindusar underscored that this step has been taken to protect freedom of expression and the fourth pillar of democracy. He has urged all journalists and social workers to adhere to this directive and take immediate action in any threatening situation. This initiative is expected to foster a safer and fear-free environment for journalists and social workers.