Guwahati: Senior journalist Irani Sonowal Lepcha has been acquitted in a defamation case filed by former Advisor to the Chief Minister, Sotai Kri. The case was dismissed by Namsai Judicial Magistrate First Class Lobsang Wangdi Bapu for non-prosecution, marking a key moment for press freedom in the state.
The news of the acquittal was shared by the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) in a social media post, stating: “In a win for press freedom, senior journalist Irani Sonowal Lepcha has been acquitted in a defamation case filed by ex-advisor to CM Sotai Kri… This verdict upholds free press and trust in the judiciary. Long live press freedom!”
Speaking after the verdict, Irani expressed relief, “This verdict is a big relief and shows that truth always wins, for almost 2 years, I went through a lot of mental stress because of this case. I had to travel many times from Itanagar to Namsai, carrying my infant child, just to attend the hearings. Even though the case had no strong basis, a bailable arrest warrant was issued against me. It felt like punishment for simply doing my job.”
Irani thanked the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), Arunachal Press Club (APC), Arunachal Electronic and Digital Media Association (AEDMA) and all fellow journalists for their support.
“Their encouragement kept me going during this difficult time, I hope this judgment sends a clear message: journalists should not be harassed for telling the truth. The press must be free to work without fear. Truth will always come out, no matter how hard some people try to suppress it,” she said.
The defamation case traces its roots to November 29, 2019, when EastMojo published a report titled “Arunachal: Land Mafia near China border risking national security?” The article named Sotai Kri, which allegedly prompted him to issue telephonic threats to Lepcha and lodge a police complaint at Tezu.
In the aftermath, the Arunachal Press Club (APC), Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), and Arunachal Electronic and Digital Media Association (AEDMA) held a joint meeting condemning the intimidation and threats issued to the journalist. The organisations termed the act an attack on the freedom of the press and an attempt to silence investigative journalism.
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