The Calcutta High Court has asked the West Bengal government to assure that no coercive steps would be taken against Anandabazar Patrika journalists facing FIRs over the newspaper’s use of the phrase “saffron hooliganism”, as long as they cooperate with the notices issued to them, LiveLaw reported.

The first case was filed on August 28 at the Bowbazar police station in Kolkata over a complaint by Shastri Maharaj, described as a Hindu monk. It objected to the term, ‘gerua gundami’ that translates into ‘saffron hooliganism’ that featured in reports by the publication on violent clashes that erupted at Jadavpur University earlier last month. 

Several press associations have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the FIRs.

On Thursday, the state, represented by the Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Mazumdar, gave the assurance the court asked for after Senior Advocate S N Mookherjee, assisted by Advocates Arunabha Deb and Ashika Daga, flagged the FIRs.

Mookherjee reportedly said the cases had been initiated on the allegation of incitement as if journalists had demeaned sanyasis across the country. He also told the court that the outlet’s office had been painted saffron by protestors.

Reports had earlier mentioned videos showing two men painting two pillars at the main entrance of the office while several police personnel stand by. Several other saffron-clad men had gathered at the spot, raising slogans including “Bhagwa ka apmaan nahi sahega” (“We will not tolerate the insult of Bhagwa”) and “Anandabazar Patrika haye haye”. 

The court asked Mookherjee whether he was familiar with the expression “saffron vandalism”. It also referred to the newspaper’s front page. Mookherjee submitted that the matter was not political but concerned the journalists.

The Additional Advocate General asked whether the journalists could claim any special protection. Mookherjee clarified that he was not claiming any special privilege. The court then sought an assurance that no steps would be taken until the matter came up for consideration. “Comply with the notice, no steps will be taken. If anything happens, bring it to my notice,” the court said, according to LiveLaw. 

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