Journalist Mr. Gajendra Rawat and cartoonist Mr. Hemant Malviya, who face non-bailable FIRs by the Haridwar police in Uttarakhand for posting a political cartoon on social media. The cartoon, posted on December 16, 2022, by Mr. Malviya, accompanied by a disclaimer, was shared by Mr. Rawat on his Facebook page. The FIR, registered on December 19, 2022, accuses them under section 153A of the Indian Penal Code for promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.

Both journalists have not been arrested, but the police are actively searching for them based on the FIR. The journalists assert that this is an attack on freedom of the press and an attempt to discourage the creation of political cartoons. Mr. Malviya, expressing concerns of potential arrest, fears more false cases might be filed against them. Mr. Rawat believes he is being targeted for his activism in supporting villagers peacefully protesting against the expansion of the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. He sees the FIR as an attempt to suppress media freedom and curtail his right to freedom of expression.

The appeal from Human Rights Defenders Alert condemns the unprovoked lathi charge, firing, and FIRs against peaceful protesters, suggesting these actions were reprisals by the university administration. It highlights the violation of constitutional rights to life and peaceful assembly, emphasizing that unprovoked lathi charges on unarmed demonstrators contravene Indian constitutional articles, including Article 19 and Article 21. The appeal also references international human rights laws protecting peaceful assembly, emphasising that the use of disproportionate force violates these rights. The appeal underscores the importance of upholding democratic values and human rights in responding to peaceful protests.