The Indian chapter of the International Press Institute has awarded the 2020 edition of its Award for Excellence in Journalism to Ritika Chopra of the Indian Express. Chopra received the award for her stories on the working of the Election Commission during the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

The selection was made by a distinguished jury of editors headed by Soli Sorabjee, former attorney general of India. The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, a trophy, and a citation.

The award will be presented to Chopra at a function in New Delhi in March or April.

A press release issued by the body said Chopra’s work exposed the divide in the EC and its unusual tardiness when it came to dealing with poll code violations. The jury noted that she had investigated the issue diligently, relying on documentation of the cases involved, and by verifying the proceedings and meetings of the commission, thereby highlighting an important issue involving free and fair conduct of democratic elections.

IPI India instituted the annual award in 2003 to recognise and honour the best work done by an Indian media organisation or journalist in any medium. The first Award for Excellence in Journalism was given to the Indian Express for its reporting on the Gujarat carnage of 2002 and its aftermath.

Founded 71 years ago in New York by a group of editors from 15 countries, IPI describes itself as a global organisation committed to furthering freedom of the press. It is based in Vienna.