Is it a proof of “anarchist, authoritarian approach” of the Arvind Kejriwal government ? – Vijay Shanker Singh.

The latest circular issued by Delhi Govt on the direction of Arvind Kejriwal is a clear cut example of high handedness. It is a gagging of press. If you have no courage to face any criticism, whether it is right or wrong then you are not deserved to be a political man. I am not saying that every criticism done by press is based on truth and facts.. Many are based on gossips and on cooked materials. But as a serious politician the press should be countered by the facts and truth not by fictions.. But to stop the press for not reporting news and views are a undemocratic act.

In 1975 when Indira Gandhi censored the press , it had been condemned by all the sections of society and she was ultimately defeated in 1977. Inspite of the facts that the pace of governanace was improved dur to discipline imposed under the government emloyees. But why this man has chosen this path. He says media is biased. The biasism of media must be exposed. But you have to take other options and to accept different means. To gag the press is no option. Press has also to do a honest introspection. They may be influenced by any particular pericular thought or any group or they may have some hidden business interests , but while reporting or interpreting any incident or political development they must be professional and this professionalism must be seen apperantly. The erosion in credibility of media is a different issue but on the hoax of this particular image you can and should not stop the press.

The circular says a defamation case will be filed by Government against the mud slinging reporting. There are many national dailies and national news channels who rarely publish and telecast any biased news and views. But there are many small newspapers who often publishes some derogatory news but you can not butcher a limb for treating a small infection. Anybody can file a defamation case under the law for anyone. But such type of circular to issue a special direction for defamation case to Govt officials is condemnable. 

According to the circular issued by the Directorate of Information and Publicity Department,

‘’ if any officer associated with the Delhi government feels that the published or aired news item damages his or the government’s reputation, he should file a complaint with the Principal Secretary (Home).

“In such case, a reference letter will be sent to the Principal Secretary (Home) containing details of the defamatory imputation published, the mode of publication, factual inaccuracy, details of allegations made and ground for believing that it will harm the reputation of the person against whom the imputation has been made,” a senior officer said.

According to the official, the Principal Secretary (Home) will then examine the matter and will also seek the opinion of the Director (prosecution) as to whether the prosecution under section 499/500 of the IPC is to be launched.

If as per the opinion of the Director (prosecution), offence of defamation is made out the Principal Secretary will refer the matter to the Law Department for examining the matter and obtain the sanction of under section 199(4) of the CrPc. After the sanction of the government is obtained, the home department will forward the case to the public prosecutor for making a complaint under Section 199(2) of the CrPc.

The move came just a few days after, Delhi Government issued order for close monitoring of all news channels. Is it a proof of “anarchist, authoritarian approach” of the Arvind Kejriwal government ?