Editors Guild Slams Kerala Government for Restriction on Media, Terms It ‘Assault on Press Freedom’

New Delhi, December 17: The Editors Guild of India on Sunday condemned the Kerala government's recent directive that imposes undue restrictions on media, terming it as a "direct assault on freedom of Press." On November 15, Kerala government issued circular imposing restrictions on media from approaching the Chief Minister, ministers and other higher officials except through the state's information and public relations department (I&PRD) of the state. Editors Guild Concerned over Meghalaya HC Censuring Newspaper Editor.

In a statement, the Editors Guild described the notice as "a brazen attempt at restraining the movement of media persons while they are discharging their professional duties". Editors Guild Suspends Membership of MJ Akbar, Tarun Tejpal Over Sexual Harassment Allegations.

As per the circular issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Secretary Subrata Biswas, media persons are restricted to take comments from the CM and other ministers at public functions, railway stations and airports. The circular stated that media often tries forcefully to take comments and it obstructs free movement of the person. The Kerala government’s circular further added that if a journalist enters without accreditation or an entry pass then he would be treated as a visitor.

The Guild condemned the Kerala government's recent directive and, urged the state government to revoke the direction "without any delay". Various journalist associations including Indian Journalists Union and the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), strongly opposed the move.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 17, 2018 04:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).