Editors Guild Slams FIR Against Journalist Ajit Anjum for Bihar Election Coverage
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
16, July,2025 – The Editors Guild of India has expressed grave concern over the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against senior journalist Ajit Anjum, following his coverage of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Mr. Anjum—who currently runs a widely followed YouTube channel—visited a block-level election office in Balia, Bihar, to report on alleged discrepancies in the voter roll revision process. His investigative coverage spotlighted several irregularities, prompting local authorities to file an FIR against him.
The charges, based on a complaint by an election official, include allegations of interference with the electoral process, incitement of communal unrest, and dissemination of misinformation. Mr. Anjum has been booked under applicable sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
While the Guild refrained from commenting on the accuracy or content of Mr. Anjum’s reportage, it strongly criticized the decision to criminalize journalistic activity. “Filing an FIR for what appears to be legitimate reporting is excessive,” the Guild noted in its statement, adding that public officials have several avenues to contest or clarify media reports. Resorting to punitive measures, it emphasized, undermines press freedom and sets a troubling precedent.
The Guild urged authorities to ensure that journalists are not obstructed from carrying out their professional responsibilities and called upon all stakeholders to protect and promote responsible, truth-based journalism in India.
