The Editors Guild of India on Thursday said it believes journalists should claim no immunity from healthy and civilised criticism, but at the same time their labelling has emerged as a "favourite tactic" on the part of the establishment to discredit, delegitimise and intimidate them.

"We have seen our political class use this for some time now. In the recent past, top BJP leaders, as well as those of AAP, have used unambiguously abusive expressions such as 'presstitute', news-traders, 'bazaaru' (saleable commodities) or 'dalals' (pimps) for journalists," the Guild said in a statement.

It said it has "noted with concern" the words used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his criticism of the journalist who interviewed Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week.

The statement was issued after much debate among the Guild's executive committee members. Some of the members were opposed to the issuance of such a statement maintaining that Gandhi's remarks did not tantamount to attack on freedom of expression or a threat.

Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted: "The Grandson of the 'Emergency dictator' displays his real DNA -- attacks and intimidates an independent Editor."

"Why are the pseudo-liberals silent? Waiting for the Editors guild's response," he said.

The Guild statement also talked about "reprehensible strategy to throttle media freedoms" through ploys such as boycotts, denial of access and lately government accreditation.

"This must be reversed. Journalists, we believe, will continue to deal with these with their usual thick skins and not let these tactics intimidate them. The Guild, as an apex, non-partisan institution, however, takes strong exception to this tendency and calls for its halt," it said.

The statement was issued after much debate among the Guild's executive committee members.

The Editors Guild of India on Thursday said it believes journalists should claim no immunity from healthy and civilised criticism, but at the same time their labelling has emerged as a "favourite tactic" on the part of the establishment to discredit, delegitimise and intimidate them. "We have seen our political class use this for some time now. In the recent past, top BJP leaders, as well as those of AAP, have used unambiguously abusive expressions such as 'presstitute', news-traders, 'bazaaru' (saleable commodities) or 'dalals' (pimps) for journalists," the Guild said in a statement. It said it has "noted with concern" the words used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his criticism of the journalist who interviewed Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week. The statement was issued after much debate among the Guild's executive committee members. Some of the members were opposed to the issuance of such a statement maintaining that Gandhi's remarks did not tantamount to attack on freedom of expression or a threat. Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted: "The Grandson of the 'Emergency dictator' displays his real DNA -- attacks and intimidates an independent Editor." "Why are the pseudo-liberals silent? Waiting for the Editors guild's response," he said. The Guild statement also talked about "reprehensible strategy to throttle media freedoms" through ploys such as boycotts, denial of access and lately government accreditation. "This must be reversed. Journalists, we believe, will continue to deal with these with their usual thick skins and not let these tactics intimidate them. The Guild, as an apex, non-partisan institution, however, takes strong exception to this tendency and calls for its halt," it said.

Labelling of journalists has emerged as 'favourite tactic': Editors Guild

The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has suspended the membership of journalist-turned-politician<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-mj-akbar-a-thorough-gentleman-woman-journalist-says-in-court-176880"> MJ Akbar</a> in connection with <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/mj-akbar-tarun-tejpal-feature-in-editors-guilds-updated-members-list-177792">sexual misconduct allegations </a>levelled against him by several women including his former colleague Priya Ramani, against whom he filed a defamation case.

Akbar, who had resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs in October, has been suspended until the defamation case he filed against Ramani is concluded.

"Office-bearers of the Guild discussed the EC`s comments and took the decision on the matter. It has concurred with the majority view that Akbar should be suspended from the Guild till such time that the court case he has filed is concluded," a statement issued by the media body read.

The Guild has also suspended one of its past presidents and former Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka Tarun Tejpal over allegations of sexual misconduct.

"The Guild had sought the views of its Executive Committee (EC) on what action should be taken against MJ Akbar, a dormant member at present and one of its past president, Tarun Tejpal and Gautam Adhikari (senior journalist) in light of the charges of sexual misconduct levelled against them by several women journalist. . A majority of the EC members suggested that the membership of Akbar should be suspended. There was also consensus that Tejpal be suspended too, until the conclusion of his trial and the Guild should write to Adhikari to seek his response.," reads the statement.

However, the Guild has decided to seek a formal response from Adhikari against charges levelled against him.

These three names were cropped up after the MeToo movement gained momentum in India.

While Akbar came under fire after 20 women journalists levelled sexual misconduct charges against him, Tejpal has been serving jail term in a rape case.

The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has suspended the membership of journalist-turned-politician MJ Akbar in connection with sexual misconduct allegations levelled against him by several women including his former colleague Priya Ramani, against whom he filed a defamation case.

The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has suspended the membership of journalist-turned-politician MJ Akbar in connection with sexual misconduct allegations levelled against him by several women including his former colleague Priya Ramani, against whom he filed a defamation case. Akbar, who had resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs in October, has been suspended until the defamation case he filed against Ramani is concluded. "Office-bearers of the Guild discussed the EC`s comments and took the decision on the matter. It has concurred with the majority view that Akbar should be suspended from the Guild till such time that the court case he has filed is concluded," a statement issued by the media body read. The Guild has also suspended one of its past presidents and former Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka Tarun Tejpal over allegations of sexual misconduct. "The Guild had sought the views of its Executive Committee (EC) on what action should be taken against MJ Akbar, a dormant member at present and one of its past president, Tarun Tejpal and Gautam Adhikari (senior journalist) in light of the charges of sexual misconduct levelled against them by several women journalist. . A majority of the EC members suggested that the membership of Akbar should be suspended. There was also consensus that Tejpal be suspended too, until the conclusion of his trial and the Guild should write to Adhikari to seek his response.," reads the statement. However, the Guild has decided to seek a formal response from Adhikari against charges levelled against him. These three names were cropped up after the MeToo movement gained momentum in India. While Akbar came under fire after 20 women journalists levelled sexual misconduct charges against him, Tejpal has been serving jail term in a rape case.

Editors Guild of India suspends MJ Akbar, Tarun Tejpal

The Editors Guild of India Thursday asked M J Akbar to withdraw the criminal defamation case he filed against journalist Priya Ramani, as the top editors' body came out in support of the women journalists who have accused him of sexual harassment.

The Guild also offered legal support to women journalists who have levelled the allegations against Akbar in case he does not withdraw the present case or files such cases against other women too.

The Guild's support for the women came a day after Akbar stepped down as the Minister of State for External Affairs in the face of mounting pressure following allegations of sexual harassment against him by several women journalists.

In a statement, the Guild said it salutes the courage shown by several women journalists in bringing to light instances of how they were sexually harassed.

"The resignation of Mr M. J Akbar from Union council of ministers is a result of these women journalists' courage to fight for a high principle: gender equality in the newsroom.

"We hope that Mr Akbar will also display the grace to withdraw the criminal defamation case he has filed against one of these complainants," it said.

While Akbar is entitled to all legal instruments available to a citizen to seek vindication, it would be paradoxical for a veteran editor to employ the instrument of criminal defamation, the Guild said, adding that, "more so for Mr Akbar who happens to be a former president of the Guild".

"But if he doesn't, or in case he files such cases against other women too, the Guild offers its support to them. If any of them were to need legal advice or assistance, the Guild will do the best it can to help and also appeal to eminent lawyers to represent them pro bono," the statement said.

The Guild's statement comes on a day a Delhi court commenced hearing on Akbar's criminal defamation complaint against Ramani, who has accused him of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago.

Akbar on Monday had filed the complaint against Ramani alleging she "wilfully" and "maliciously" made imputations against him with the ulterior motive of maligning his reputation and political standing.

The defamation case filed two days ago led more women and some men too to come forward in their defence of Ramani and others. On Tuesday night, 20 journalists, who had worked at The Asian Age during Akbar's tenure, issued a joint statement against him.

The Editors Guild of India Thursday asked M J Akbar to withdraw the criminal defamation case he filed against journalist Priya Ramani, as the top editors' body came out in support of the women journalists who have accused him of sexual harassment.

The Editors Guild of India Thursday asked M J Akbar to withdraw the criminal defamation case he filed against journalist Priya Ramani, as the top editors' body came out in support of the women journalists who have accused him of sexual harassment. The Guild also offered legal support to women journalists who have levelled the allegations against Akbar in case he does not withdraw the present case or files such cases against other women too. The Guild's support for the women came a day after Akbar stepped down as the Minister of State for External Affairs in the face of mounting pressure following allegations of sexual harassment against him by several women journalists. In a statement, the Guild said it salutes the courage shown by several women journalists in bringing to light instances of how they were sexually harassed. "The resignation of Mr M. J Akbar from Union council of ministers is a result of these women journalists' courage to fight for a high principle: gender equality in the newsroom. "We hope that Mr Akbar will also display the grace to withdraw the criminal defamation case he has filed against one of these complainants," it said. While Akbar is entitled to all legal instruments available to a citizen to seek vindication, it would be paradoxical for a veteran editor to employ the instrument of criminal defamation, the Guild said, adding that, "more so for Mr Akbar who happens to be a former president of the Guild". "But if he doesn't, or in case he files such cases against other women too, the Guild offers its support to them. If any of them were to need legal advice or assistance, the Guild will do the best it can to help and also appeal to eminent lawyers to represent them pro bono," the statement said. The Guild's statement comes on a day a Delhi court commenced hearing on Akbar's criminal defamation complaint against Ramani, who has accused him of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago. Akbar on Monday had filed the complaint against Ramani alleging she "wilfully" and "maliciously" made imputations against him with the ulterior motive of maligning his reputation and political standing. The defamation case filed two days ago led more women and some men too to come forward in their defence of Ramani and others. On Tuesday night, 20 journalists, who had worked at The Asian Age during Akbar's tenure, issued a joint statement against him.

Editors Guild asks M J Akbar to withdraw defamation case

Responding to<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/fake-news-issue-pm-modi-steps-in-orders-withdrawal-of-press-guidelines-128040"> Prime Minister's intervention to the&nbsp;much-criticised "fake news order"</a> passed on Monday, Editors Guild of India thanked PM Modi on Tuesday

In a statement released today, the Editors Guild said, "The Editors Guild acknowledges the intervention&nbsp;of the Prime Minister's Office to withdraw the I&B Ministry's notification but remains deeply disturbed that faith continues to reposed on the Press Council of India to deliver justice on such issues".

However, the Editors Guild also criticised the intervention of the I&B Ministry for introducing punitive measures against "fake news".

The statement of the Editors Guild against the I&B Ministry said " Editors Guild of India strongly condemns arbitrary manner contemplated by I&B Ministry ostensibly to penalise any journalist or media organisation publishing fake news. It would have opened door for frivolous complaints to harass journalists and orgs to fall in line".

In a press release on Monday, the I&B Ministry had announced<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/government-proposes-penalties-for-journalists-reporting-fake-news-127949"> strict measures against "fake news"</a>.&nbsp; Following which widespread criticism and outcry rose in the country. The Journalists and opposition claimed that the norms were an attempt to curb the freedom of press ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The "fake news order" was withdrawn on Monday&nbsp;after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered the I&B Ministry to cancel its controversial guidelines on fake news.

Following the Prime Minister's order, the Information and Broadcasting ministry issued a statement stating the withdrawal of the measures taken&nbsp;to curb fake news.

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In a press release on Monday, the I&B Ministry had announced strict measures against "fake news". Following which widespread criticism and outcry rose in the country. The Journalists and opposition claimed that the norms were an attempt to curb the freedom of press ahead of the 2019 general elections

Responding to Prime Minister's intervention to the much-criticised "fake news order" passed on Monday, Editors Guild of India thanked PM Modi on Tuesday In a statement released today, the Editors Guild said, "The Editors Guild acknowledges the intervention of the Prime Minister's Office to withdraw the I&B Ministry's notification but remains deeply disturbed that faith continues to reposed on the Press Council of India to deliver justice on such issues". However, the Editors Guild also criticised the intervention of the I&B Ministry for introducing punitive measures against "fake news". The statement of the Editors Guild against the I&B Ministry said " Editors Guild of India strongly condemns arbitrary manner contemplated by I&B Ministry ostensibly to penalise any journalist or media organisation publishing fake news. It would have opened door for frivolous complaints to harass journalists and orgs to fall in line". In a press release on Monday, the I&B Ministry had announced strict measures against "fake news". Following which widespread criticism and outcry rose in the country. The Journalists and opposition claimed that the norms were an attempt to curb the freedom of press ahead of the 2019 general elections. The "fake news order" was withdrawn on Monday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered the I&B Ministry to cancel its controversial guidelines on fake news. Following the Prime Minister's order, the Information and Broadcasting ministry issued a statement stating the withdrawal of the measures taken to curb fake news. Editors Guild of India strongly condemns arbitrary manner contemplated by I &B Ministry ostensibly to penalise any journalist or media organisation publishing fake news. It would have opened door for frivolous complaints to harass journalists and orgs to fall in line: Statement — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018 × The Editors Guild acknowledges the intervention of the Prime Minister’s Office to withdraw the I & B Ministry’s notification but remains deeply disturbed that faith continues to be reposed on the Press Council of India to deliver justice on such issues: Statement — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018 ×

Editors Guild of India thanks Modi for intervening in 'fake news order'

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Labelling of journalists has emerged as 'favourite tactic': Editors Guild

Editors Guild of India suspends MJ Akbar, Tarun Tejpal

Editors Guild asks M J Akbar to withdraw defamation case

Editors Guild of India thanks Modi for intervening in 'fake news order'