New Delhi: In a statement issued by journalist organisations to Chief Minister of Rajasthan Vasundra Raje demanding withdrawal of controversial Rajasthan Bill, all forms of gagging the press has been condemned. The letter states that the ordinance passed by the government of Rajasthan restrains the media from what it is primarily meant to do, i.e, act a watchdog and ombudsman of society.
The letter sent to Rajasthan Chief Minister is under the umbrella of Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Club Of India, Press Association and Federation of Press Clubs of India.
Below is the text of the letter:
Dear Smt Vasundhara ji
We, the undersigned journalist organisations would like to express our strong reservations and concern at the draconian Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2017 that was tabled by your government on October 23. The Bill which was earlier in the form of an ordinance and promulgated on September 6, in effect restrains the media from what it is primarily meant to do, i.e, act a watchdog and ombudsman of society.
The Bill broadly seeks to protect public servants from allegations arising out of possible vested interests and restrains the reporting by the media of any possible allegations made against such officers. Not only does this clampdown on reporting militate against public interest as the public are impacted by government policies and decisions - good or bad - but the Bill subverts the basic freedom of the press which is enshrined in the spirit of Article 19 (1) (a) of the Indian Constitution.
The Bill expressly prohibits the media from publishing the "name, address, photograph, family details or any other particulars which may lead to disclosure of identity of a judge or magistrate or a public servant against whom any proceeding is pending" until the sanction for prosecution, (by the government), is issued. Those violating these conditions would be punished with a jail term extendable to two years with a fine.
It is ironic and unfortunate that at a time when there is a great demand and an even greater need for public accountability and transparency, your government appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
We urge you, as chief minister, to withdraw the Bill as neither is it in public interest, nor does it serve the aims and objectives of our vibrant democracy.
Signatories of the letter are Shobhna Jain, President, Indian Women's Press Corps, Gautam Lahiri, President, Press Club Of India, Jai Shankar, President, Press Association and Nadeem A. Kazmi of Federation of Press Clubs in India.
