SMC Corporator Aqib Renzu Booked Under PSA

Dear Editor,

I am writing to formally request an editorial and factual review of a report published by NDTV in October 2023 concerning me, Mr. Muhammad Aqib Renzushah (also known as Aqib Ahmad Renzu), former Corporator, Srinagar Municipal Corporation. The report refers to my arrest and subsequent preventive detention under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA).

I wish to bring to your attention a significant subsequent judicial development that merits consideration in relation to the continued publication and presentation of the report. The Hon’ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh subsequently quashed the preventive detention order against me. The relevant judgment is available at the following link:

High Court Judgment: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/175171733/

This judicial decision is an important part of the record and, in my respectful submission, deserves to be appropriately reflected in any continuing coverage of the matter. Where an earlier report concerns a person’s arrest or preventive detention, subsequent judicial findings may materially affect the context in which readers understand that reporting.

In view of the above, I respectfully request that NDTV’s editorial team examine the original report and consider the following measures, as appropriate:

1. Editorial review and possible removal: Consider whether removal of the original article is warranted following an independent editorial and legal assessment.
2. Prominent judicial update: Alternatively, update the article with a clear and sufficiently prominent reference to the High Court’s decision quashing the preventive detention order, including a link to the relevant judgment.
3. Factual accuracy and contextual fairness: Review the report for any factual inaccuracies, potentially misleading implications, or material omissions, and make appropriate corrections or clarifications wherever necessary.
4. Search engine updates, where applicable: If the article is removed or materially amended, consider appropriate requests to search engines to update their indexed information, cached representations, or other relevant listings, subject to applicable policies and technical limitations.

I fully recognise and respect the role of independent journalism and the public’s right to receive information on matters of legitimate public interest. This request is not intended to undermine that role or to seek the suppression of legitimate reporting. Rather, it is a good-faith request to ensure that the continuing presentation of the matter is accurate, balanced, and informed by the subsequent judicial outcome.

The continued availability of an earlier report without an adequate reference to the High Court’s decision may leave readers with an incomplete understanding of the circumstances and the subsequent legal developments. It may also have continuing implications for my personal and professional reputation, particularly when such reports appear in online searches without the benefit of updated judicial context.

I therefore request that this representation be forwarded to the appropriate editorial and legal teams for consideration. I would appreciate a written response confirming receipt of this request and advising whether the report can be reviewed for an appropriate update, correction, or other editorial action.

I am willing to provide a copy of the judgment and any additional supporting documentation that may assist your team in conducting its review.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust that NDTV will give this request fair and impartial consideration in accordance with its editorial standards and commitment to accuracy.

Yours sincerely,

Muhammad Aqib Renzushah
Former Corporator
Srinagar Municipal Corporation
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India