Editors Guild Voices Concern Over Criminal Complaint Threat to Broadcast Journalist

PTI, August 24, 2025, New Delhi :  The Editors Guild of India expressed concern on Sunday over a statement made by Congress leader Pawan Khera, who announced intentions to file a criminal complaint against senior broadcast journalist Shiv Aroor.

Aroor’s coverage of alleged electoral irregularities during the Maharashtra Assembly elections, along with comments from a psephologist that were later withdrawn for being erroneous, had provoked a backlash from the Congress. Khera, who heads the Congress media and publicity department, claimed that Aroor’s reportage on NDTV was a "malicious attempt" to defame the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi. Khera further stated that the issue "won't go unanswered" and confirmed that a criminal complaint had been filed against the journalist.

In response, the Editors Guild issued a statement, saying, "Without offering any comment on the content of the broadcast in question, the Guild is troubled by the creeping tendency to invoke criminal charges against members of the media in response to their professional work."

The Guild reiterated its longstanding position that criminal laws should not be used as "instruments of harassment" against journalists. "All political parties are urged to refrain from such measures. There exist multiple avenues, including remedies under civil law, to pursue grievances without resorting to the criminalisation of journalism," it added.

The Editors Guild also reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and promoting high standards of editorial leadership, while reminding journalists of their responsibility to uphold fairness and balance in their reporting.