Sources said forest and environment affairs secretary of the district Awami League Mohammad Amiruzzaman Lebu lodged the case in connection with a news published in the magazine in its February 27 issue under the headline "three gamblers held from Awami League leader's house'.

The court has directed district information officer to submit a report after investigating into the matter.

The journalists who have been sued are editor and publisher of the magazine advocate Zakir Hossain, executive editor Zainul Abedin, managing editor Bazlur Rahman, assistant editor SK Sattar, chief news editor Merajuddin, news editor Shahriar Milton, chief reporter Abdur Rafique Majid, divisional editor Adil Mahmud Ujjal and Jhenaigati upazila correspondent Harun-ar-Rashid Dudu.

Meanwhile, Sherpur press club, Jhenaigati press club and Sherpur journalists' council condemned the case as it was filed without issuing any rejoinder or asking any explanation from the magazine.