Media bodies on Saturday (March 21, 2026) condemned the alleged use of “excessive force” while evicting journalists from the United News of India (UNI) premises in Delhi, which was vacated and sealed on Friday (March 20) following a court order.
The Press Club of India (PCI) urged the authorities to take prompt action against those responsible for the “manhandling of journalists” while they were at work.
In a statement, the Editors Guild of India (EGI) condemned the use of “excessive force”, as well as “the undue haste” shown in implementing a High Court directive. “While the Guild does not question the need to implement the High Court’s order, what is disturbing is the lack of due process, and the manifestly excessive display of force by the authorities in executing the court’s direction,” said the EGI.
Noting that as per reports, the order was pronounced in court around 1.30 p.m. on Friday, the Guild said even before it was uploaded on the court’s website, a large number of police and paramilitary personnel arrived at the UNI’s premises. “Journalists, including female staff, were forcibly evicted in the midst of carrying out their duties,” it said.
‘Journalists manhandled’
