Journalist Bodies Condemn Forceful Eviction at UNI, Raise Press Freedom Concerns

Four prominent journalists’ organisations have strongly condemned the alleged manhandling of journalists and use of excessive force by Delhi Police while sealing the premises of the news agency United News of India (UNI) . The action followed a high court order that cancelled the allotment of land to UNI.

In separate statements, the Press Club of India (PCI) , Editors Guild of India (EGI) , Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) , and the Press Association (PA) criticised the authorities for showing “undue haste” in executing the court directive. Journalists present at the office were allegedly forcibly evicted without being allowed to collect personal belongings.

The PCI expressed deep shock at the events, particularly noting the highhandedness of authorities and the impact on women journalists. “Several journalists claimed they were physically removed from their workplace by use of force ,” the PCI statement said, calling the action disturbing and unacceptable .

The EGI added that police and paramilitary personnel arrived at the UNI premises even before the court order was publicly available. Journalists, including female staff, were allegedly evicted while performing their duties , raising serious concerns about the freedom and dignity of the press .

The IWPC emphasised that while the legal process led to the high court order, the manner of execution was “high-handed, rough and undignified” , affecting both male and female journalists. It warned that such incidents endanger press freedom and diminish the reputation of long-established media institutions.

The Press Association also expressed concern over the lack of prior communication regarding the sealing order and said it stood in solidarity with all affected journalists , demanding accountability for the incident.

The UNI premises were sealed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ Land and Development Office on Friday. The news agency termed the move as an “unprecedented atrocity” and an attack on media freedom , highlighting the suddenness and force used during the eviction.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism from journalist bodies, underscoring the tension between legal compliance and the protection of press rights in India’s national capital.