Indian press bodies unite to oppose laws curbing press freedom
New Delhi: Top press bodies in India have joined forces to intensify their demand for the withdrawal of laws they believe are designed to curb press freedom in the country.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a resolution passed at a consultative meeting, the organizations expressed concern that the proposed laws – including the Broadcast Services (Regulation) Bill, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, and Information Technology Amendment Rules – aim to silence the press.
The meeting, attended by prominent press bodies and digital rights organizations, highlighted the apprehensions of control, regulation, and unreasonable restrictions by the BJP-led Indian government that could impact citizens’ right to know. The resolution emphasized the importance of ensuring citizens’ access to information and journalists’ ability to report news without impediments like internet shutdowns.
The united front includes the Press Club of India, Indian Journalist Union, Delhi Union of Journalists, DIGIPUB News Foundation, Internet Freedom Foundation, Working News Cameramen’s Association, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Cogita Media Foundation, and press clubs from Mumbai, Kolkata, Trivandrum, and Chandigarh.
The Indian press bodies’ demand comes at a critical time, as the Modi government faces criticism over its handling of press freedom and journalistic independence.
