Journalists, political parties condemn eviction from United News of India premises
The sealing of the United News of India (UNI) office in Delhi has triggered strong reactions from journalist bodies, media organisations, and Opposition parties, raising fresh concerns about press freedom and due process in India.
Acting on an order of the Delhi High Court, police and central forces took control of the UNI premises located on Rafi Marg late Friday night. The court had ruled in favour of the Centre in a dispute over the ownership and lease of the prime property.
allegations of excessive force and lack of due process
The sudden takeover, reportedly carried out before the detailed court order was publicly available, led to chaotic scenes. Journalists alleged that police used force to evict staff, including women, who were working inside the newsroom at the time.
The Editors Guild of India expressed concern over the manner in which the operation was conducted. While acknowledging the need to implement court orders, the Guild criticised what it described as a lack of due process and an “excessive display of force”.
According to the Guild, hundreds of police and paramilitary personnel arrived at the premises within hours, leading to the forcible eviction of journalists in the middle of their professional duties.
Political reactions and broader concerns
Political parties also reacted strongly. The Communist Party of India condemned the action, while M. A. Baby, general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), termed the incident “high-handed” and unacceptable in a democratic setup.
Senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala linked the incident to what he described as a broader pattern of pressure on the media. He cited previous cases involving organisations like NDTV and BBC, as well as the arrest of journalist Rupesh Singh in 2022.
Surjewala also pointed to India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, noting that the country stood at 151 in 2025 and 159 in 2024, suggesting a decline in perceived media independence.
Media bodies demand accountability
Several journalist organisations demanded accountability for the incident. The Press Club of India expressed “deep shock” over the alleged manhandling of journalists and called for prompt action against those responsible.
The Indian Women’s Press Corps highlighted concerns about the safety and dignity of women journalists, calling the incident disturbing for one of the country’s oldest media institutions.
Similarly, the Delhi Union of Journalists criticised what it termed police high-handedness and warned that the action could have long-term implications for media institutions.
Property dispute and future of UNI
The UNI property on Rafi Marg has long been considered a high-value asset in central Delhi, with multiple stakeholders reportedly interested in its control. The Union government’s decision to cancel the lease has now placed the future of the agency and its employees in uncertainty.
Journalist unions have urged the management, including stakeholders linked to The Statesman group, to ensure continuity of operations and timely payment of dues to employees.
