Mumbai - The Press Council of India Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan asking why his government should not be sacked for failing to protect journalists.
In a stinging letter to Chavan, a copy of which is with IANS, Council chairman Markandey Katju said press freedom was a constitutional right and the Press Council's job was to uphold that freedom.
Katju said it was the duty of the state government to maintain law and order.
“But it seems to me that your government is neither able to maintain law and order nor prevent attacks on journalists, which seriously imperils freedom of the press,” he said.
A delegation of eight journalists from Maharashtra led by S.M. Deshmukh, met Katjhu and apprised him of a large number of physical attacks on journalists and media houses in the state, including the most recent on the offices of Maharashtra Times Marathi daily.
Katju was also informed that in the past 10 years, over 800 journalists were physically attacked.
“I had written two letters to you but there was no response to either of them. Did I not even deserve the courtesy of a reply?” Katju asked Chavan.
Katju asked Chavan to show-cause why he (Katju) should not recommend to President Pratibha Patil the dismissal of the state government for failing to uphold the constitution.
He asked Chavan to reply within three weeks, following which “I will take such action as is fit in the circumstances”.
The media delegation also met President Patil.
| Other Articles: |
 |
Three of top four rich contestants are mining contractors (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Indian Mujahideen member arrested from Bihar (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Abuse in orphanage: Court refuses to bar fresh probes (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Cricket ball-size stone removed from man's bladder (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
'Indian youths on Sharjah death row could return May' (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Criminal acts in privacy not immune, court told (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
CPI-M condemns murders in Bengal (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Mulayam’s prestige at stake in fifth phase of UP poll (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
In 2G case: Notice to CBI on Balwa's plea (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Mamata urges PM to put NCTC decision on hold (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Stadium comes alive with buffaloes on the ramp! (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Italy regrets fishermen killing, row persists (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Bihar's economy registers over 11 percent annual growth (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Former Himachal BJP chief to become minister (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
No proof of allegations against Ramdev: Police (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Mumbai Congress chief resigns (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Acid attack victims to get help in Haryana (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Madhya Pradesh asked to respond to silicosis death report (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
In 2G case: Court issues notice to CBI on Balwa's plea (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Court tells Italian ship owner to deposit Rs.2.5 million (23rd Feb, 2012) |
|
Case filed against actor Saif Ali Khan in Mumbai after hotel scuffle (22nd Feb, 2012) |
|
Kingfisher Airlines submits revised flight schedule to DGCA (22nd Feb, 2012) |
|
Civil Aviation ministry to probe Spice Jet off-loading of disabled woman (22nd Feb, 2012) |
|
Exiled Tibetans mark their New Year in Dharamsala under shadow of immolations (22nd Feb, 2012) |
|
Mamata Banerjee leaves to meet PM, Gorkhaland, NCTC issue may figure in talks (22nd Feb, 2012) |
Today : Sunday - May 27, 2012, 02:00am (GMT+5.5)
