The attention is drawn to the recent incident involving the attack on the car of senior journalist Mr. Nikhil Wagle in Pune, Maharashtra, on February 9, 2024, as he was en route to an event advocating for democracy and freedom of expression. The attack occurred shortly after an FIR was filed against Mr. Wagle for comments made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leader LK Advani, with threats from BJP workers to disrupt the program. Subsequently, a BJP leader lodged an FIR against Mr. Wagle under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, alleging attempts to disrupt societal peace through derogatory remarks. This incident has garnered widespread condemnation from prominent journalist organizations, underscoring the escalating violence against journalists and its detrimental impact on democratic principles.

The assault on Mr. Wagle and the subsequent legal action against him not only pose a threat to his personal safety but also represent a grave violation of constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and expression, freedom of association, and the right to life and liberty. Such acts of intimidation and harassment undermine the fundamental principles of democracy and must be met with swift and decisive action. Urgent measures are required to ensure accountability and justice for Mr. Wagle and to uphold the principles of democracy and freedom of the press. HRDA appeal to NHRC to take suo moto cognizance of the incident and  invocation of Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019, to initiate a thorough and independent inquiry by the NHRC's investigation wing into this incident.