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April 09, 2025 – India –
On April 11, 2025, freelance journalist Rupesh Kumar Singh completed 1,000 days of incarceration under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Singh was arrested on July 17, 2022, in Jharkhand on charges of alleged links to Maoist groups, a claim he and his supporters vehemently deny. His arrest followed a raid on his residence, during which electronic devices were seized. Subsequently, he was implicated in multiple UAPA cases, raising concerns about the misuse of anti-terror laws to stifle dissent.
Singh is renowned for his investigative reporting on issues affecting tribal communities, including environmental degradation, displacement due to industrial projects, and alleged human rights violations in Jharkhand and neighboring states. His work has been featured in outlets such as The Wire, Newsclick, and Jan Chowk. Colleagues and civil society organizations argue that his arrest is a direct consequence of his fearless journalism.
Despite the legal principle that “bail is the rule, jail is the exception,” Singh has been repeatedly denied bail. In January 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed his bail application with a brief order stating, “We are not inclined to interfere with the impugned order.”
On the milestone of his 1,000th day in custody, over a hundred journalists, academics, and activists sent an open letter to the Chief Justice of India, urging immediate intervention. The letter highlights concerns over the erosion of press freedom and the targeting of journalists under stringent laws. It emphasizes that Singh’s prolonged detention without trial exemplifies a broader pattern of suppressing critical voices in India.
Singh’s wife, Ipsa Shatakshi, an activist and writer, continues to advocate for his release. She asserts that the charges against him are baseless and politically motivated, aimed at silencing a journalist committed to exposing injustices. Despite the challenges, Singh remains resolute. In a recent phone call, he recited a poem expressing his unwavering dedication to truth and justice.
The case of Rupesh Kumar Singh underscores the precarious state of press freedom in India and the potential for legal frameworks to be employed against journalists. As calls for his release intensify, his situation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding journalistic integrity and freedom of expression.
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