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‘Selective action’: Editors Guild writes to Andhra CM Naidu over FIRs against Telugu daily Sakshi

The Guild urged Naidu to ensure that the media in Andhra Pradesh is not subjected to “harassment through frivolous or selective criminal complaints.”

Synopsis: The Editors Guild of India has raised concern over multiple criminal cases filed against the Telugu daily Sakshi in Andhra Pradesh, urging the Chandrababu Naidu government to prevent harassment or selective police action against the press. The Guild noted that complaints had been lodged in several police stations, including one instance where Sakshi alone faced action for coverage also carried by other media outlets.

The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has expressed concern over a series of criminal complaints registered against the Telugu daily Sakshi in Andhra Pradesh, calling on the Telugu Desam Party-led government to ensure that the press is not subjected to harassment or selective action by the police.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday, 19 September, the Guild said it was “disturbing” that criminal cases had been filed in different police stations against Sakshi.

“In one instance, it has been reported that following coverage of a press conference by a political leader—an event that was also carried by several other newspapers and media outlets—a case was filed against Sakshi alone. The Editor of the paper has publicly stated that only his organisation has been singled out for police action for what was a routine journalistic activity,” the letter noted.

“This selective application of criminal law appears to be an overreach by the police.”

The Editors Guild of India has written a letter to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, on its concern regarding criminal complaints and FIRs against members of press in Andhra Pradesh.@AndhraPradeshCM @ncbn @sakshinews pic.twitter.com/YFApj9XEpq
— Editors Guild of India (@IndEditorsGuild) September 19, 2025

The Guild further urged Naidu to ensure that the media in Andhra Pradesh is not subjected to “harassment through frivolous or selective criminal complaints.”

“The conduct of the police must reflect professionalism and impartiality, and should not give the impression of vindictiveness against any publication. Criminal laws should not be weaponised to stifle or intimidate journalists for carrying out their duties in the public interest,” the letter stated.

Sakshi is the mouthpiece of the opposition Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) and is owned by party chief and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

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