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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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Politics

My Own People Turned Out To Be Traitors: Uddhav Thackeray In Saamana Interview

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Uddhav Thackeray

Uddhav Thackeray further said, “They have betrayed me, split the party. They should seek votes using their own fathers’ images. Stop begging for votes, using the images of the father of Shiv Sena.” 

Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in an interview with party spokesperson Sanjay Raut alleged former Sena Loyalist Eknath Shinde of trying to bring him down even when he was unwell in hospital and could barely move.

He termed the rebels “rotten leaves” of a tree and said that had to be shed to make way for new leaves.”My government is gone, the Chief Minister’s post is gone, I have no regrets. But my people turned out to be traitors. They were trying to pull down my government when I was recovering from my surgery,” Uddhav Thackeray said in the  Saamana interview.

“The Shiv Sena would win the battle in courts and on the streets”, he added.

Uddhav Thackeray further said, “They have betrayed me, split the party. They should seek votes using their own fathers’ images. Stop begging for votes, using the images of the father of Shiv Sena.”

Mr. Thackeray said at a time he was recovering from a major neck surgery that left him temporarily unable to use his limbs, he heard reports that “some were praying for my health and others were praying that he stayed unwell.”

Describing about his pain after the surgery Mr. Thackeray said “I am paksha pramukh, head of the family, but I couldn’t even move after the surgery – at that time they were actively conspiring against me. I will always live with this painful reality. I had entrusted someone with the party, giving him the status of number two. I had trusted you to take care of the party, you broke that trust,” Mr. Thackeray said, appearing to address Chief MinisterEknath Shinde directly.

Mr. Thackeray further said the rebels resented that he had been able to keep the Shiv Sena thriving even after Bal Thackeray’s death. “They want to separate Shiv Sena from the Thackerays,” he alleged, comparing it to “separating the Congress from the Gandhis.”

The Shiv Sena chief accused the BJP  of trying to appropriate great leaders of other parties. “The way they tried to appropriate Sardar Patel from the Congress, they are doing the same thing with my father,” the former CM claimed.

Team Thackeray has requested the Supreme Court to stop the Election Commission from deciding on who has control of the party until a decision is taken on the disqualification of the rebels.  Shinde Sena, after forming the government with the BJP’s support, claims it is the “real  Sena”.

The Election Commission has told both the Sena factions to produce documentary evidence by August 8 to prove who represents the Maharashtra party.

Warning the rebels to not use the Shiv Sena founder and his father’s photo Mr. Thackeray said “I dare them to try and separate Thackeray and Shiv Sena.  Don’t use my father’s photo for votes. Everyone should use their own parents’ photos for votes. Unfortunately, my parents are not alive, but they (rebels) should take the blessings of their parents and campaign, give speeches and seek votes. Why steal my father? You have no dedication, no sense of duty, no courage – are you not man enough? You are a traitor,” Mr. Thackeray lashed out.

Blaming himself the most for the turmoil Mr. Thackeray said  “I put too much trust in some Sena workers and leaders. It is my mistake to have trusted them for such a long time.”

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