Geneva/New Delhi: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global body advocating media safety and rights, has expressed concern over the sealing of the United News of India (UNI) office in New Delhi on Friday, urging the concerned authorities to reconsider the decision.
According to local media reports, the closure of the UNI office has raised serious concerns over press freedom in the world’s largest democracy. Reports also indicated that some staff members present on duty were forcibly evicted, while female journalists allegedly faced manhandling by a team of Delhi Police personnel.
The action followed an order from the Delhi High Court, which upheld the cancellation of land allotment to UNI for failing to meet the condition of constructing a composite office complex for the news agency and other media bodies. The plot, measuring approximately 5,289 square metres at 9, Rafi Marg, was allotted to UNI in December 1979 with a stipulation to build the office within a specified timeframe. However, the construction was never completed.
Subsequently, the government cancelled the allotment in March 2023. UNI challenged the decision in court but did not receive relief. A notice pasted at the premises stated that the property was taken over by the Union government on March 20, 2026, following the court ruling. It also warned that any unauthorised entry, occupation, or use of the premises would invite legal action.
“It is unfortunate that a pioneering news agency, founded in 1961, is facing such treatment in India. However, the UNI management was also expected to comply with prescribed regulations. With digital media increasingly overtaking traditional news platforms—especially after the Covid-19 pandemic—news agencies must undergo comprehensive reforms. Perhaps UNI failed to effectively respond to these evolving challenges,” said Nava Thakuria, South Asia representative of PEC.
Several social media users described the action as deeply concerning for press freedom in India. According to Thakuria, a large number of police personnel reportedly “stormed, seized and silenced” the UNI office, treating media professionals like criminals. “They could have simply asked the staff to vacate and then sealed the premises, but that was not done,” he added.
