Although the Constitution of India protects Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press, critics often claim that Press Freedom is restrained in the South Asian nation where the Government only encourages speech that supports it and the prevailing ruling party. A French journalist recently paid the price for criticising the Government of India, as she was forced to leave the country in February 2024.
Before leaving for France, Vanessa Dougnac said: "Today, I am leaving India… I am being forced to leave by the Government of India. Sixteen months ago, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) denied my right to work as a journalist, providing no reasons or justifications, and no hearing."
Earlier in January 2024, the Indian Government accused the French national of creating a "biassed negative perception" of the country, giving her a 15-day deadline ending on February 2 to explain why her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card should not be cancelled. Commenting on the issue, Dougnac stressed that she had arrived in India as a student 25 years ago and worked as a journalist for 23 years. She also said that she not only tied a nuptial knot in India, but also gave birth to her child in this country. Hence, she considers India as her home. Dougnac made it clear that the Government of India forced her to leave the country against her wish.
It may be noted that Dougnac has been serving as the South Asia correspondent for various French, Swedish and Belgian newspapers from New Delhi. She received the OCI card after her marriage. She told the local media that the Government of India served her a notice, mentioning that she and her reports were malicious. The Narendra Modi Administration further mentioned in the notice that her articles could pose a serious threat to the unity and sovereignty of India by provoking people to breach the law and order.
Watch: 'I'm forced to leave India,' says French journalist
During French President Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron's visit to India in the fourth week of January 2024, officials of the two countries discussed the notice served to the French journalist. Later, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra claimed that the French officials were happy with India's move because New Delhi framed charges against the journalist on the basis of evidence and logic!
However, Dougnac said in a statement that she was "unfairly accused of prejudicing the interests of the state" and that "it has become clear that she cannot keep living in India". She told the press: "I am fighting these accusations before the competent forums and I have full faith in the legal process. But I cannot afford to wait for its outcome. The proceedings with respect to my OCI status have shattered me, especially now that I see them as part of a wider effort by the Government of India to curb dissent from the OCI community."
As per the World Press Freedom Index 2023 published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), India ranked 161st among the 180 countries with a score of 36.62. It is the lowest ranking in the history of Independent India. In 2022, India's rank was 150.
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