Aadhaar FIR: Govt says bound to press freedom

Facing severe criticism for acting against a newspaper that reported on an alleged Aadhaar data breach, the BJP-led central government said on Monday that it was fully committed to the freedom of Press. It also said that the FIR was filed against "unknown" entities.

The government is fully committed to the freedom of Press as well as to maintaining security and sanctity of Aadhaar for India's development," Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Twitter, adding, the FIR is against unknown persons. "I've suggested to the UIDAI to request Tribune & its journalist to give all assistance to the police in investigating real offenders," he said.

The UIDAI also made amends. On its official Twitter handle, it said, "UIDAI is committed to the freedom of Press. We're going to write to @thetribunechd & @rachnakhaira to give all assistance to investigate and nab the real culprits. We also appreciate if Tribune & its journalist have any constructive suggestion to offer."

Prasad's reaction came after several media bodies — including Editors Guild, Press Association, Press Club of India (PCI) and Indian Women Press Corps (IWPC) — expressed anguish and deep concern on the development and sought the government's intervention for immediate withdrawal of the case.

Prasad also cancelled Meet the Press programme at the Press Club scheduled for Tuesday. The move, sources said, came anticipating backlash from media.

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha wondered if the people of the country were living in a "banana republic". The Congress also demanded unilateral withdrawal of the FIR against Tribune and its employees by UIDAI.