TheDelhi Policeon Friday sealed the office of United News of India (UNI) which is located at the Parliament Street in New Delhi, citing a court order. The action comes after theDelhi High Courtdismissed UNI’s petition challenging the Centre’s order to vacate premises at Rafi Marg in the national capital. The case pertained to an order issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, which had asked the news agency to vacate the premises.
The matter is related to the cancellation of the allotment of land to the news agency. The High Court upheld the cancellation, rejecting the news agency's plea.
According to reports, the government had asked UNI to vacate the office that was originally allotted to them for the construction of an office for a news agency. However, after multiple reminders, UNI failed to construct the office on the allotted land.
Due to this non-compliance, the L&DO cancelled the allotment as per the terms of the allotment letter. The UNI challenged the cancellation before the High Court.
During the case, UNI went into dissolution and was later taken over by Statesman Private Limited. The petitioner argued that the delay in construction was due to a lack of funds and delay in the approval of building plans.
The government argued that it was UNI’s clear obligation to construct the office, and the land could be used for other entities like the Press Council of India.
During the hearing, the High Court rejected the petitioner’s arguments and upheld the cancellation of the allotment, dismissing UNI’s petition.
UNI termed the decision to seal its office as an “attack on press freedom.” The news agency also alleged that its female staff members were manhandled by the police team.
Taking to X, UNI said, “The sealing of the office of United News of India (UNI), one of the country's oldest and most respected news agencies, has raised serious concerns over press freedom."
According to PTI, in a purported video shared on X, a woman personnel is seen allegedly manhandling a woman journalist during a confrontation. The footage shows the journalist losing her balance, after which she falls to the ground. Meanwhile, a person in the background can be heard objecting, saying, “Ye kya kar rahi ho madam, haath-pair toot jayega” and “Ye kya tareeka hai.”
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
