Police Evacuate United News of India Office Following Court Mandate
Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, the United News of India office in central Delhi was evacuated by police on Friday, following a Delhi High Court ruling. This incident raises significant questions about press freedom and the agency's future.
Key Takeaways
Police enforced a court order to vacate the UNI office.
Concerns regarding press freedom have been raised due to this action.
UNI has transitioned to new management after bankruptcy.
The office is located in a historical building on Rafi Marg.
The Delhi High Court deemed the cancellation of land allocation legally justified .
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) The United News of India (UNI) office in central Delhi experienced significant turmoil on Friday evening when police officials, alongside legal representatives and female personnel, arrived to implement a directive from the Delhi High Court. This order restricts the use of the premises prior to its anticipated sealing due to alleged infractions, as reported by an eyewitness.
Footage shared on social media depicted police escorting UNI employees out of the building, as some staff members sought clarification regarding the situation.
The news agency, which transitioned to new management after emerging from bankruptcy last year, expressed its disapproval of the police action through a post on social media.
“The impending sealing of the United News of India (UNI) office, one of the nation's oldest news agencies, raises serious concerns about press freedom,” the post stated.
Sources indicated that the police were acting on a court order connected to alleged breaches of terms under which the new management was granted access to the property situated on Rafi Marg.
“The Delhi High Court reaffirmed the annulment of the land allocation made to UNI,” a source revealed.
While dismissing UNI's petition, the court noted that the cancellation order from March 29, 2023, issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO), was “entirely justified and legally necessary” given the circumstances, the source added.
Some employees voiced their concerns about not being given sufficient time to respond, while a police official maintained that the management was informed of the court proceedings ahead of the eviction team's arrival.
Founded in 1959, UNI operates from a sprawling British-era bungalow on Rafi Marg in the capital, close to Patel Chowk Metro station.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize the implications of this police action on press freedom. The swift enforcement of a court order raises vital questions about the rights of journalists and the stability of media institutions in India. It is essential to ensure that the principles of freedom of the press are upheld, even in challenging circumstances.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the police evacuation of UNI?
The evacuation was executed to enforce a Delhi High Court order that restricts the use of UNI's office due to alleged legal violations.
What concerns have been raised about this action?
This action has sparked significant concerns regarding press freedom and the rights of journalists in India.
When was UNI founded?
The United News of India was founded in 1959.
Where is UNI's office located?
UNI's office is located on Rafi Marg in central Delhi, near Patel Chowk Metro station.
What was the court's stance on the land allocation for UNI?
The Delhi High Court upheld the cancellation of land allocation made in favor of UNI, stating it was justified and legally necessary.
