The Chandigarh Press Club has condemned the Punjab government's registration of FIRs against journalists and YouTubers, alleging these actions are an attempt to intimidate the media for reporting on the alleged misuse of the Chief Minister's helicopter. The club stated that criminal proceedings suppress independent voices and discourage investigative journalism, asserting that a free press is essential for democracy. They called for established legal mechanisms like clarifications or rebuttals instead of criminal action, highlighting previous instances of perceived intolerance towards critical reporting by the state government.