Will explore all legal options open to defend freedom to undertake serious investigative journalism: The Tribune on UIDAI case

In its statement, the newspaper said: "My colleagues and I are grateful for expressions of support and solidarity from media organisations and journalists."

"We at The Tribune believe that our stories were in the nature of a legitimate journalistic exercise," it said.

The Tribune said its performs its reporting by following 'traditions of responsible journalism'.

"Our story was in response to a very genuine concern among the citizens on a matter of great public interest," the news paper said in the statement.

"We regret very much that the authorities have misconceived an honest journalistic enterprise and have proceeded to institute criminal proceedings against the whistleblower. We shall explore all legal options open to us to defend our freedom to undertake serious investigative journalism," it said.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has filed a case against newspaper The Tribune and journalist Rachna Khaira over a news report that revealed how people could illegally access demographic data of individuals from UIDAI, media reports said.

The Tribune confirmed on Sunday that the case was filed by a Deputy Director of the UIDAI on Saturday.

Joint Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar (Crime Branch), while confirming the development to The Tribune on Sunday, said it was against the paper and the reporter.

“The FIR has been registered by the UIDAI. Soon an investigation will be initiated," he told the newspaper.

According to the newspaper report, the FIR has been filed against  The Tribune newspaper, reporter Rachna Khaira, and three names.

"The sections under which the UIDAI complaint has been registered are 419, 420, and 468 of the IPC, and Section 66 of the IT Act, 2000. Besides, Sections 36 and 37 of the Aadhaar Act have also been invoked," The Tribune reported.