Delhi Government is conspiring to damage the fourth pillar of democracy

New Delhi : The Delhi Journalists Association (DJA) strongly condemned the Delhi Government’s move to curb Press freedom in the national capital. In an emergency meeting called at DJA office in New Delhi today, the senior members of the Association expressed grave concern over the circular issued by the Government of Delhi headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The DJA leaders said the Government is conspiring to damage the fourth pillar of democracy, and they are against any move on the part of the government which hits the press freedom in any sense.

The members said when there is a statutorily constituted Press Council of India to deal with complains regarding truth of the published news items, the Delhi Government’s move to ignore this institution and threatened the Press is unconstitutional, illegal and directly contradicts the oath taken by the members of the Delhi Cabinet including the Chief Minister Mr Arvind Kejriwal. Therefore, the President of India should consider whether the Delhi Government should be allowed to go against the oath they have taken under the Constitution. This circular also indicates a threat to the jobs of journalists.

The DJA condemns this move and demands immediate withdrawal of the circular failing which the entire Press in India will re course to agitation against the CM not only in Delhi but in all Delhi Government’s offices in other states whenever he visits that places.

Delhi Government’s move would basically create problems of the journalists who discharge their duty honestly. The DJA has decided to write to the Press Council of India in this regard requesting to intervene forthwith. Apart from it, a memorandum will also be presented to the President of India Mr Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Mr Arun Jaitley. DJA also decided to call on the Lt Governor of Delhi and Chief Minister Mr Kejriwal to raise our concerns in this regard.

Anand Rana, General Secretary MB 9818246804