Editors Guild ‘Deeply Disturbed’ Over FIR Against Journalist Ajit Anjum
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New Delhi, July 16 — The Editors Guild of India has strongly condemned the filing of an FIR against senior journalist Ajit Anjum, calling the legal action a serious attack on press freedom and “excessive” in response to what it described as a legitimate journalistic exercise.
Anjum, who operates a YouTube channel with over 7.5 million subscribers, was booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Representation of the People Act, 1951 after he visited a polling booth in Ballia, Bihar, on Saturday as part of his coverage on the ongoing voter roll revision process in the state.
What Triggered the FIR
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Anjum alleged major irregularities in the electoral roll revision process. He claimed that many enumeration forms were incomplete, lacking applicant photographs and signatures, raising serious concerns about the transparency and accuracy of the process.
Shortly after, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed by a booth-level officer, Mohammed Ansrarul Haque, accusing Anjum and his team of trespassing, interfering with official work, and hurting religious sentiments. The Begusarai district administration alleged that Anjum and his cameraperson recorded videos of the ongoing voter list updates without authorisation.
Media Bodies Push Back
The Editors Guild, in its official statement released on Wednesday, said it was “deeply disturbed” by the FIR and emphasized that:
“The administration has several means to counter or clarify a media report. Criminalising journalism and invoking serious legal provisions against journalists should not be among them.”
The press body urged that journalists like Anjum must not face legal harassment or impediments in their professional duties. It also reiterated the need to protect journalism that is both responsible and truthful, especially when it addresses issues of public concern.
Independent Media Voices Echo Concern
The Digipub News India Foundation, an association representing independent digital news outlets, also issued a sharp statement, calling the FIR a direct assault on independent journalism.
“Instead of addressing the legitimate questions raised by Anjum’s video, the Election Commission has attempted to intimidate not just him but all independent journalists who dare to report from the ground,” said the foundation.
The association said the “vague allegations” lacked credibility and should not have been grounds for criminal action.
Opposition Alleges Voter Disenfranchisement
The controversy comes amid widespread political scrutiny of Bihar’s ongoing special revision of electoral rolls, announced by the Election Commission on June 24. As per new norms, voters whose names were not listed in the 2003 rolls must now submit proof of eligibility.
This revision affects 2.9 crore voters—around 37% of Bihar’s 7.8 crore electorate. Opposition parties have warned that this move could potentially disenfranchise more than 2.5 crore people, especially those lacking access to documentation.
Anjum: I Will Not Be Intimidated
Ajit Anjum has defended his reporting and denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was carrying out a journalistic duty in the public interest.
“Instead of addressing the questions raised in the video, the administration is resorting to intimidation tactics,” Anjum wrote on social media.
He further stated that a Muslim block-level officer was being used as a scapegoat in the case against him.
“All I am saying is that I’m right here in Begusarai. If needed, I will fight up to the Supreme Court. I won’t be scared.”
Anjum’s determination has sparked debate about the increasing pressures faced by independent journalists in India, particularly those investigating electoral and administrative processes.
Final Thoughts from The Trending People
The FIR against Ajit Anjum is not just a legal case — it’s a litmus test for press freedom in the country. When legitimate journalistic scrutiny is met with criminal charges, it raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and the state of democracy. As India's largest democracy gears up for upcoming elections, the right to question, investigate, and report without fear must be fiercely defended.