Press Freedom Under Threat: Indian Journalists Condemn UNI Eviction in New Delhi

PR, KalimNews, New Delhi, March 22, 2026 : The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has strongly condemned the shocking eviction of the United News of India (UNI) office in New Delhi by the Delhi Police, calling it a serious assault on press freedom and the integrity of one of India’s oldest and most respected news agencies.

In an official statement, IJU Secretary General Vinod Kohli expressed deep concern over the manner in which the UNI office was vacated. “Such coercive action against a reputed news agency without due sensitivity to its role in the democratic framework is deeply disturbing. It sends a chilling message to the entire media fraternity,” he said, highlighting the growing intolerance towards independent media institutions.

IJU President Geetartha Pathak also voiced strong disapproval, noting, “The UNI has been a pillar of credible journalism in India for decades. Forcing it out in this manner is not just an administrative act, but an assault on the spirit of free and independent journalism.”

The IJU has demanded immediate intervention by the relevant authorities to ensure UNI’s operations are restored without hindrance, and called upon media organizations nationwide to stand united against any attempts to stifle press freedom. The Union reiterated that a free press is fundamental to democracy and any action that undermines it must be firmly opposed.

Meanwhile, four prominent journalists’ organizations—the Press Club of India (PCI), the Editors Guild of India (EGI), the Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC), and the Press Association (PA)—also have issued strong statements condemning the alleged “manhandling” of journalists and the “use of excessive force” by Delhi Police during the sealing of UNI’s premises.

The organizations described the police action as executed with “undue haste” in implementing a high court order that canceled the allotment of land to UNI. Journalists were reportedly “manhandled” during the eviction process.

According to the PCI, several journalists were physically removed from their workplace on Friday evening by Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel “by use of force,” without being allowed to collect personal belongings. “The PCI expresses deep shock at the manhandling of journalists at work at the United News of India premises at 9, Rafi Marg, New Delhi, by police last evening following a court order regarding a land dispute,” the statement said. The organization also condemned the “highhandedness” displayed by authorities, particularly against women journalists, in the strongest possible terms.

The EGI reported that hundreds of police and paramilitary personnel arrived at UNI premises even before the high court order was available online. Journalists, including women staff, were forcibly evicted while performing their duties. While acknowledging the legal necessity of implementing the court order, the Guild criticized the lack of due process and the excessive use of force.

The IWPC described the police action as “high-handed, rough and undignified,” emphasizing that women journalists were not spared. “These diminish the institution, endanger the freedom of the press and can be seen as a lapse, particularly with regard to the safety and dignity of women in the profession,” the organization stated.

The Press Association also expressed concern, noting that there was no prior notice or communication regarding the sealing order. “The Press Association strongly condemns the late-night police action to vacate working journalists, including women scribes, from the office of UNI on Friday, allegedly without prior notice,” it said, calling for accountability and standing in solidarity with all affected journalists.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ Land and Development Office carried out the sealing of the UNI premises following the high court order. UNI described the move as an “unprecedented atrocity” and an “attack on freedom of media,” underscoring the serious implications of the incident for press freedom in India.