Namsai, June 27: A local court in Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai district has acquitted journalist Irani Sonowal Lepcha in a defamation case filed by former chief minister’s advisor Sotai Kri, marking a notable development for press freedom in the state.
The Judicial Magistrate First Class, Lobsang Wangdi Bapu, dismissed the case on June 25 under Section 256 of the CrPC, which allows for dismissal in cases of non-prosecution. The court noted that despite being granted a final opportunity after payment of Rs 2,000 as cost, the complainant and his counsel failed to appear without citing any valid reason.
The defamation case was linked to an investigative article published in November 2019 by EastMojo, titled “Arunachal: Land Mafia near China border risking national security?” The report had alleged irregularities in land dealings near the India-China border and had named Kri. Following the publication, Kri allegedly issued threats to Lepcha, then serving as EastMojo’s chief correspondent in Arunachal Pradesh.
The incident drew sharp condemnation from the media community, with the Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) jointly denouncing the threats as an attack on the freedom of the press. At the time, Chief Minister Pema Khandu had also publicly expressed support for journalists and called for legal action against any form of intimidation.
Reacting to the court’s verdict, APUWJ president Amar Sangno said the case was a clear attempt to suppress investigative reporting and shield corruption. “The judgment reinforces confidence in the judiciary and sends a strong message in defence of journalistic freedom,” he stated.
Irani Sonowal Lepcha was facing charges under Sections 500 and 501 of the IPC. With the case now dismissed, she has been formally cleared of all charges.
