The Press Club of India (PCI) has strongly condemned the Uttar Pradesh Police for filing an affidavit with Allahabad High Court accusing Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair of “endangering the sovereignty and unity of India.” The PCI has demanded the withdrawal of the FIR registered against Zubair.
The FIR, filed under Section 152 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), has drawn widespread criticism. The PCI stated, “This section has the potential to suppress free thinkers and independent media. It can also be weaponised against those critical of the government. Similar to the misuse of sedition laws in the past, Section 152 appears to be a rebranded tool for curbing dissent. We demand the immediate withdrawal of the FIR against Mohammed Zubair.”
Zubair’s lawyer, Vrinda Grover, provided further context during a media briefing. She noted that the Uttar Pradesh Police informed the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday about additional charges added to the FIR, including Section 66 of the IT Act.
According to Grover, earlier charges carried a maximum penalty of less than seven years’ imprisonment, which did not mandate Zubair’s arrest. However, Section 152 is a non-bailable offence, posing a severe threat to his personal liberty.
“We are hopeful that the court will step in to address this overreach,” Grover stated. The Indian Express reported that the court has directed the police to officially document the newly added charges.
