While taking Suo-Moto cognizance of issue, Press Council of India Chairman Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad has directed the Government of Andhra Pradesh through its Chief Secretary and Special Commissioner to file Reply Statement in this matter.
The Press Council of India (PCI) Chairman Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad on 1st of November expressed grave concern over the order issued by the Government of Andhra Pradesh dated 30-10-2019 granting permission to the Secretaries of respective Departments to initiate legal action with regard to publication of false, baseless and defamatory news items against the Print Media through the public prosecutor.
According to PCI’s statement, the Chairman is of the view that the threat to prosecute media personnel in general shall demoralise the journalists in large which shall have severe bearing on the freedom of the press. Not only this the problems which the order in question seek to redress can very well be remedied by the Council itself.
While taking Suo-Moto cognizance of issue, the Chairman has directed the Government of Andhra Pradesh through its Chief Secretary and Special Commissioner (I&PR) to file Reply Statement in this matter.
Applauding PCI move against AP Govt’s order, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national President N. Chandrababu Naidu said, “Press Council of India moving a Suo-Moto on the draconian GO 2430 is a tight slap on the face of Y S Jagan ’s Govt which wants to harass journos and people voicing concerns on social media.”
“We will continue to raise the issue at all platforms and not rest until the Govt recalls it,” he added.
