Regarding Statements on "The Wire-Meta"

story by various Press Organizations

New Delhi, November 03, 2022:- The National Union of Journalists (India) with the concern

and a sense of agony that the several statements issued by certain press associations and

guilds on the developing ‘The Wire-Meta’ story.

The NUJ(I) represents Press fraternity of India, it is as much our bounded duty to strive to

maintain the freedom of the press as it is our duty to be vigilant against fraudulent and fake

news reporting. It is in this regard that the timing of statements issued by certain press

associations and guilds has disturbed our conscience.

If the various press organizations and the guilds had been prompt in condemning ‘The Wire’

reports, which were based on forged and fabricated documents, then their statements after

the Delhi Police enquiry would have carried an imprint of fairness. It is pertinent to reiterate

that in addition to the forgery and fabrication of documents, The Wire’s reports are also a

classic example of lack of journalistic diligence and a willful abdication of responsibility.

However, the fact is that these press associations and guilds maintained a studied silence in

the face of undeniable forgery that formed the core of The Wire reports. In contrast, their

promptness in issuing a statement against the police enquiry, that seeks to trace the genesis

of the forgery, makes these associations and guilds seem like a partisan player.

-1-

It would bode well for all responsible press organizations and guilds to collectively exercise

restraint whilst seeking to interfere in the present case, which noticeably lays on a shaky

edifice of fraud and fabrication. As journalistic organizations, it is our primary responsibility to

ensure that the truth, for whatever purpose, must not be suppressed. Premature

endorsements will not only prejudice investigations that seek to unearth the veracity of news

reports, but set a grave precedent that will imperil journalistic ethics and transparency. In a

case where ‘The Wire’ has itself demanded an investigation by leveling allegations of forgery

against its own team member, as responsible press organizations and guilds our stand cannot

be partisan.

The freedom of the press is sacrosanct and all attempts must be made to resist any move to

muzzle the press. However, those who are serial fake news peddlers should not be given the

leeway to utilize the card of freedom of press to escape the consequences of their deliberate

actions over months and years.

The NUJ(I) call the law enforcement authorities to undertake a swift enquiry and unearth the

entire sequence of fraud and forgery in ‘The Wire-Meta story’ and bring the true facts in the

public domain. We also call upon the members of our fraternity to apply the same standards

upon ourselves that we seek to impose on others.

Ras Bihari

President

Mb:9810291706