Editors Guild seeks Rahul’s support in raising press freedom issues in Indian parliament
New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India has written to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, seeking his support in highlighting concerns about press freedom and the right to information in Parliament.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a letter to Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Guild expressed concerns about the government’s efforts to regulate and control the media through various legislative measures. The Guild specifically mentioned the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, Broadcast Services Regulation Bill, Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, and the IT Rules 2021 and their subsequent amendments in 2023.
The Guild argued that these measures were taken without adequate stakeholder consultation and parliamentary scrutiny, and could be misused to restrict legitimate journalistic activities. They also expressed concern about the lack of safeguards for press independence and freedom of expression.
The Guild urged Gandhi to support their call for a renewed debate and consultations on these legislative measures to ensure that the fundamental principles of a free and independent press are safeguarded. The Guild has also written to other opposition leaders, expressing their concerns and seeking their support.
