Global press freedom body asks West Bengal police to drop case against Maktoob

The International Press Institute (IPI) has urged the Director General of West Bengal Police to withdraw a criminal case filed against independent news outlet Maktoob, saying journalists should not face legal action for reporting statements made by a public official.

In a letter signed by IPI Executive Director Scott Griffen, the global media freedom organisation expressed concern over the First Information Report registered on September 19 in connection with Maktoob’s social media posts. The posts reported allegations by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra that Muslim officers faced religious discrimination during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visits to West Bengal.

IPI said the FIR invokes multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including alleged promotion of enmity, outraging religious feelings, public mischief and defamation. It argued that the allegations were made publicly by an elected representative and had been widely reported elsewhere.

“Maktoob’s reporting on a serious allegation made by a public official is not a crime; it is the role of the free press to report independently on matters of the public interest,” the organisation wrote.

The press freedom body also criticised the manner in which the case came to the outlet’s attention. According to IPI, West Bengal Police did not directly inform Maktoob about the FIR. The outlet learned of it through communications from X after police sought details of its account.

Calling the lack of direct communication “deeply concerning,” IPI said transparency from authorities was essential in cases involving the press. It added that independent reporting is necessary for democracy and that media organisations should not be penalised for publishing information already in the public domain.

IPI asked the police chief to immediately withdraw the FIR and ensure that the inquiry does not result in any restriction on Maktoob’s media freedom. The organisation said it would continue to follow the matter closely and stood with its colleagues at Maktoob.

Maktoob editor Aslah Kayyalakkath is a member of IPI, which describes itself as a global network of publishers, editors and journalists working to defend media freedom.