A group of Indian journalists has publicly condemned the refusal of passport renewal by Indian authorities, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from UK-based press freedom organisations. The journalists, who are based in the United Kingdom, allege that the denial of travel documents is an act of harassment linked to their reporting on sensitive political matters in India.
The controversy centres on three Indian correspondents whose applications for passport renewal were rejected without clear explanation. According to legal representatives, the refusals were made under Section 6(2)(f) of India's Passports Act, which permits denial if it is in the public interest. The journalists contend that this provision is being weaponised to silence critical voices.
UK press freedom groups, including Reporters Without Borders and the International Federation of Journalists, have lodged formal protests with the Indian High Commission in London. A statement issued by the groups described the passport denial as “a direct assault on investigative journalism” and called for immediate restoration of the documents. The National Union of Journalists in Britain has also expressed solidarity, urging the Indian government to adhere to democratic norms.
The Indian High Commission has not commented publicly on the specific cases but has previously defended visa and passport decisions as sovereign matters. Analysts note that the incident occurs amid a broader pattern of tightening restrictions on independent media in India, where critical journalists have faced legal challenges, tax raids, and threats.
The affected journalists, whose names have been withheld due to safety concerns, are known for their coverage of human rights issues in Kashmir, electoral irregularities, and corporate influence in Indian politics. One of them told this correspondent: “The message is clear that we are being punished for doing our job. It creates a chilling effect not just for us but for the entire diaspora of Indian journalists abroad.”
Diplomatic sources suggest that the UK Foreign Office is monitoring the situation and has raised the matter bilaterally. However, public intervention has been measured, reflecting the delicate nature of UK-India relations, which have strengthened in recent years through economic and security partnerships.
Legal experts point out that an international dimension is at play. If Indian journalists based in the UK cannot renew passports, they risk becoming stateless or unable to travel, including for work assignments. This could set a precedent for other countries with large expatriate media communities.
The protest has resonated within the Indian diaspora in Britain, where press freedom is a closely watched issue. Several community organisations have scheduled a vigil outside the Indian High Commission later this week.
As the story develops, the broader implications for the safety of foreign correspondents who cover Indian affairs remain a subject of concern. The ability to hold power to account, from both inside and outside the country, faces a growing test.
