Censorship, Press Freedom, and Challenges in Odisha

Journalism Under Pressure in Remote Yet Resilient Landscapes

Odisha, a culturally rich and resource-heavy state, has seen a steady growth of media over the years. While Bhubaneswar and Cuttack house many well-established newsrooms and digital platforms, the real test of press freedom emerges in Odisha’s tribal belts, conflict zones, and rural districts.

Odisha generally maintains constitutional press freedom. However, journalists working in remote areas, or covering sensitive issues like mining, land rights, tribal displacement, and political corruption, often face systemic obstacles, indirect censorship, and personal risk.

🧾 What Is Press Freedom?

Press freedom means journalists should be able to report facts without fear, interference, or political control. In Odisha:

• Urban journalists may enjoy some institutional backing, but even they face government pressure at times.

• Rural and tribal journalists operate with little legal protection, high risk, and minimal support.

True press freedom must apply equally across villages and cities — something still not fully realized in the state.

⚖️ Legal Threats: SLAPP Lawsuits & Defamation Tactics

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) are commonly used in Odisha to intimidate journalists:

• Reporters who investigate illegal sand mining, corruption in relief funds, or land acquisition scams are often hit with defamation suits, FIRs, or false allegations.

• The goal isn't always to win — but to silence, delay, and financially exhaust the reporter.

For instance, journalists covering irregularities in Cyclone Fani relief efforts and tribal land protests have faced legal notices backed by influential figures.

🚨 Police Pressure and Surveillance

In districts like Balasore, Rayagada, and Koraput, journalists have been:

• Beaten by police officers while reporting on corruption

• Detained or questioned for covering local protests

• Intimidated for exposing police–politician–business collusion

Even in capital Bhubaneswar, journalists like Ramesh Rath (OTV) were harassed and had phones seized after political exposés. In tribal districts, police routinely monitor and harass journalists, especially during elections or civil unrest.

⚠️ Threats from Political, Criminal, and Religious Groups

Journalists critical of:

• Politicians (especially ruling party leaders)

• Local mafias (mining, sand, forest)

• Temple management or dominant social groups

…often face:

• Threatening calls and messages

• Organized online trolling

• Public humiliation or false allegations

• In some cases, physical violence

A woman journalist covering a Jagannath temple issue in Puri was physically attacked by sevayats (temple servitors), and her cameraman was assaulted. These cases go beyond mere threats—they represent a deep attempt to control public narratives.

🌐 Limited Access to RTI in Rural Odisha

The Right to Information (RTI) Act is a critical investigative tool. But in Odisha’s rural areas:

• Officials delay or deny RTI replies if the subject involves mining, land, funds, or forest rights.

• Records are often claimed to be "missing" or "not applicable."

• Applicants are frequently harassed, discredited, or accused of being politically motivated.

Rural journalists from Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Mayurbhanj report that RTI usage itself becomes a red flag for retaliation.

🧑‍🌾 Rural Reporters: Odisha’s Most Vulnerable Voices

Odisha’s tribal and rural reporters often function as lone warriors — covering displacement, education gaps, health issues, and climate disasters.

Key Challenges Faced by Rural Journalists:

• ❌ No legal aid, press insurance, or safety coverage

• 📵 Very limited access to digital tools or secure internet

• 🔇 Community and caste pressures to suppress sensitive stories

• 🤝 Forced dependence on local police or politicians for protection

• 🧾 Minimal income — often working for small, underfunded outlets or as unpaid stringers

These journalists, despite their courage, are frequently targeted by both state and non-state actors for simply doing their jobs.