Implicit in the issue of show-cause notices to three TV channels for their allegedly biased coverage of the events leading to and following the execution of 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon was the assumption that the decisions of the President and the judiciary are above criticism. But freedom of expression guaranteed by Article 19 of the Constitution is not conditional upon the identity of the individual or institution covered or commented on by the media or anyone, for that matter.
For a free press, "speaking truth to power" is an article of faith that needs to be upheld under all circumstances, more so when thinly-disguised attempts are made to stifle democratic discourse. The government must understand that the threat of punishment will only harden the media's resolve to play its rightful role in a democracy. Freedom to express one's views "without fear or favour" is what distinguishes a democracy from a dictatorship.
The tactics of branding anyone, who refuses to conform to the 'general chorus' and speaks his mind, as 'anti-national' is an attempt to dissuade independent-minded people from voicing their opinion. It must be checked before it takes on a more sinister shape. The information and broadcasting ministry's business is not to 'discipline' or penalise the Fourth Estate or intimidate it into toeing the government line.
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
For a free press, "speaking truth to power" is an article of faith that needs to be upheld under all circumstances, more so when thinly-disguised attempts are made to stifle democratic discourse. The government must understand that the threat of punishment will only harden the media's resolve to play its rightful role in a democracy. Freedom to express one's views "without fear or favour" is what distinguishes a democracy from a dictatorship.
The tactics of branding anyone, who refuses to conform to the 'general chorus' and speaks his mind, as 'anti-national' is an attempt to dissuade independent-minded people from voicing their opinion. It must be checked before it takes on a more sinister shape. The information and broadcasting ministry's business is not to 'discipline' or penalise the Fourth Estate or intimidate it into toeing the government line.
G David Milton Maruthancode
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number