Journalists and Experts Demand Central Legislation to Protect Truth-Seeking Journalists and Combat Fake News
02-10-2023 : In a noteworthy gathering of journalists and experts from diverse backgrounds, an urgent call has been made for the formulation of a central law designed to protect the rights of “truth-seeking journalists” while addressing the menace of fake news propagators. This crucial discussion took place during a national seminar organized by the Indian Journalists’ Union (IJU), where pressing issues faced by the media in their daily endeavors came under intense scrutiny.
Participants at the seminar, convened under the aegis of the Indian Journalists’ Union, voiced their strong support for the establishment of a media commission—a longstanding aspiration. They highlighted that despite the Press Council of India’s robust constitutional framework, it lacks the authority and influence associated with a commission.
S.N. Sinha, the seminar coordinator and a former president of the IJU, emphasized the primary objectives of the event, stating, “The Indian Journalists’ Union organized a national-level seminar to deliberate on the challenges that are confronting the media at all levels on a daily basis and how to bring them within the ambit of the law to protect truth-seeking journalists and censure fake and paid news peddlers.”
During the extensive three-hour brainstorming session, representatives from the IJU spanning across numerous states and Union Territories examined various challenges confronting the media landscape, encompassing print, electronic, and social media. Their discussions revolved around ways to ensure the protection of genuine journalists from harassment, intimidation, and violence, all while addressing their financial well-being.
“The seminar deliberated on the enactment of a media protection act and the constitution of a media commission,” Mr. Sinha added.
Addressing the audience, IJU president Srinivas Reddy provided insights into the current state of affairs and expressed strong support for the establishment of a media commission. He lamented the lack of action taken on the model media commission proposed by former Press Council of India chairman P.B. Sawant, emphasizing its potential significance.
Mr. Sinha highlighted the IJU’s longstanding commitment to defending press freedom and journalists’ rights. He asserted, “The IJU has now taken up cudgels demanding enactment of a media protection act and the constitution of a media commission to enforce it.”
Supreme Court lawyer Rakesh Khanna and former IPS officer-turned-rights activist Amod Kanth endorsed the IJU’s call for comprehensive legislation. Mr. Kanth pointed out that India can draw inspiration from the governments of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, as well as even Pakistan, which have implemented laws designed to safeguard journalists’ interests. He emphasized the significance of Pakistan’s media protection act and its applicability to India, emphasizing the protection of sources, prevention of undue restrictions, and safeguarding the reputation and privacy of individuals, all while possessing the authority of a civil court.
