Uttar Pradesh man seeks consent to insult newspaper over fake news

In a first-of-its-kind request made to Uttar Pradesh authorities, a Pratapgarh resident sought permission to hurl abuses at a media agency for “two hours”. The aggrieved individual resorted to the request, seemingly innocent, after an article in the same newspaper alleged his involvement in land grabbing.

In the letter addressed to the sub-divisional magistrate, the man, who claimed to be Prateek Sinha, wanted to be allowed for two hours outside a newspaper office with a mic.

The letter reportedly stems from an article in the newspaper wherein he was referred to as a “land mafia” and he stated his eagerness to hurl abuses after having sent them a defamation notice.

In the letter to the authorities, the individual mentioned that a bulldozer action was taken on his land on January 9 “without any reason”. Following this, as per the letter, the newspaper called him “a mafia”. He has alleged that the piece in the newspaper lacked evidence and defamed his reputation.

“In opposition to the same (article), I seek permission for January 15 at 12:00 pm to abuse the bureau chief and the reporter for two hours,” the letter read.

Interestingly, in the request letter, the person took a moment to clarify that he would not resort to violence or threats. He said, “And, I want to assure you (the SDM) that despite great urge, the applicant will not thrash them (newspaper agency) with shoes or threaten them.”