Jounrlaists, Political, Civil Groups Rally in Chandigarh Over FIRs Against Journalists
Political, Civil Groups gather in Chandigarh, seek FIR withdrawal against journalists and others
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 4, 2026: Leaders from various political parties, public organizations, press clubs, and civil society groups came together in Chandigarh’s Sector 17 on Sunday to demand the withdrawal of an FIR registered against journalists and RTI activists for allegedly questioning the use of the Chief Minister’s helicopter.
The FIR was registered against journalists Maninderjit Singh Sidhu, You Tuber Mintu Gurusaria, RTI activist Manik Goyal, and others. The gathering saw participation from senior political leaders, social activists, farmer and labour union representatives, and veteran journalists, who collectively termed the FIR an attack on press freedom.
Among those present were Congress MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi, Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal, Chandigarh Press Club President Saurav Duggal, BJP leaders Vineet Joshi and Anil Sareen, Advocate Harmeet Brar, representatives of democratic rights organizations, farmer leaders, and senior journalists including Hamir Singh and Baljeet Parmar.