The mood was sombre at the India International Centre on Friday (March 15) as some prominent figures of the Indian media, especially print and the burgeoning digital sector, sat down to discuss the growing political and by extension, legal pressure on news perceived to be anti-establishment and other challenges before the fourth pillar as the country heads into a general election seen to be crucial on many fronts. During a day-long conclave organised by the Editors Guild of India on “Press Freedom in India: Present and the Future,” speaker after speaker spoke of the difficulties faced by journalists while covering various aspects of governance and policy, with government agencies allegedly carrying out retributive action against several outlets and individuals.