P R E S S   R E L E A S E

 

New Delhi, 4 November: The Indian Newspaper Society has expressed concern at a recent move by the Government of Andhra Pradesh that empowers departmental secretaries to institute cases of defamation against the media for references deemed objectionable.

While it is the right of the government to seek redress for wrong or defamatory reportage, giving the bureaucracy such sweeping powers will have a chilling effect on the media and vitiate the atmosphere in which the Press should function in a vibrant democracy.

The Society appeals to the Government of Andhra Pradesh to revisit its decision so that the rights of the Press are not circumscribed, and the media is able to perform its tasks fearlessly.

 

 

                                                                              MARY PAUL

                                                                               SECRETARY GENERAL

 

NOVEMBER 4, 2019