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“Journalism cannot be prosecuted as ‘terrorism’” say Press groups to CJI

these organizations vehemently asserted that "Journalism cannot be prosecuted as ‘terrorism’" and appealed to the Chief Justice to "take immediate action before it's too late."

Journalism has long been considered the bedrock of our democracy. However, recent events have cast a shadow on this foundational pillar, prompting 16 media organizations to collectively address Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud. In their urgent letter dated October 3rd, these organizations vehemently asserted that “Journalism cannot be prosecuted as ‘terrorism’” and appealed to the Chief Justice to “take immediate action before it’s too late.”

The genesis of this outcry stems from the alarming incident on October 3rd when the Special Cell of the Delhi police conducted extensive raids on the residences of 46 journalists, editors, writers, and professionals, all seemingly associated with the online news portal, NewsClick. Following these raids, NewsClick’s editor-in-chief, Prabir Purkayastha, and human resources head, Amit Chakravarty, were apprehended by the Delhi Police under severe sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The raids culminated in the confiscation of their mobile phones and laptops, raising serious concerns about press freedom.

The letter to the Chief Justice passionately implores the judiciary to intervene and establish clear guidelines “to deter the arbitrary seizure of journalists’ phones and laptops, a trend that has unfortunately become prevalent.” It fervently advocates for specific protocols regarding the interrogation of journalists and the confiscation of their possessions “to ensure these actions are rooted in genuine suspicions, not conducted as aimless explorations with no basis in reality.”

Moreover, the letter emphasizes the need for the court to explore avenues ensuring the accountability of state agencies and individual officers. These entities must be held responsible if they overstep legal boundaries or manipulate investigations, misleading courts with vague and ambiguous accusations against journalists for their journalistic endeavors.

This heartfelt appeal has garnered support from influential organizations such as Digipub News India Foundation, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Press Club of India New Delhi, Foundation for Media Professionals, Network of Women in Media (India), Chandigarh Press Club, National Alliance of Journalists, Delhi Union of Journalists, Kerala Union of Working Journalists, Brihanmumbai Union of Journalists, Free Speech Collective Mumbai, Mumbai Press Club, Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists, Press Association, Guwahati Press Club, and Indian Journalists’ Union.

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“Lotus Will Bloom”: PM Modi’s Dig At Opposition

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PM Modi continued his statement, undeterred by the “probe Adani” chants, and drew a comparison between the performance of his government and that of the previous Congress dispensations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in parliament over unrelenting opposition chants targeting him over the Adani Group, said the “lotus (BJP’s symbol) will bloom no matter how much mud you throw at us”, reported NDTV. 

“The conduct and tone of some members are disappointing for the entire country. I will tell such people – Jitna keechad uchhaloge, kamal utna hi khilega (the more mud you throw at us, the more the lotus will bloom). You all have an equal role in making the lotus bloom. We will thank the opposition,” PM Modi said in Rajya Sabha.

Quoting a Hindi couplet, he said: “Keechad uske pas hai, mere pas gulal. Jo bhi jiske pas tha usne diya uchaal”.

Also Read:Supreme Court Lawyer, Human Rights Defender Ehtesham Hashmi Dies Of Heart Attack

As soon as the Prime Minister started his speech, opposition members rushed to the center of the house and loudly demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee investigation into allegations against billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate, which is in the spotlight after US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research alleged stock manipulation and accounting fraud by the group.

PM Modi continued his statement, undeterred by the “probe Adani” chants, and drew a comparison between the performance of his government and that of the previous Congress dispensations.

“Congress created hurdles in development, India lost six decades while smaller countries progressed. Congress only engaged in ‘tokenism’, and never tried to find permanent solutions to problems confronting the country. We are moving ahead with permanent solutions,” the PM said.

The Congress, he said, “continues with its conspiracies” despite being rejected by voters.

The Congress and other opposition parties have accused PM Modi of enabling Gautam Adani’s rise and helping Adani group companies across sectors. Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders said the Prime Minister had skirted allegations of crony capitalism in his speech in Lok Sabha.

Rahul Gandhi questioned why parts of his speech in Lok Sabha on the PM and Adani were deleted. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also raised a similar complaint after parts of his speech yesterday in Rajya Sabha were expunged.

 

 

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