No need to police the media

Editors of national dailies meet CM, oppose formation of grievances body against journalists

Editors of national dailies meet CM, oppose formation of grievances body against journalists

A panel of senior editors from national dailies met Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan at the Sahyadri guest house to discuss various issues, which included the attacks on journalists and the brutal murder of J Dey, Editor (Investiga-tions) at MiD DAY.

During the discussion journalists opposed the formation of a body that will address grievances against members of the fourth estate.


N Ram, Editor of The Hindu and Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-Chief of Indian Express at the Press Club yesterday

N Ram, Editor of The Hindu, Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-Chief of Indian Express and Nikhil Wagle, Editor IBN Lokmat, told fraternity members at Press Club that there was no need for such a body against journalists.

"There have been many more complaints against various sections of society than the media," said Gupta.

They also spoke at length about tackling frequent attacks on journalists and demanded the enactment of a law to make attacks on journalists non-bailable and cognizable offences.

The panel lamented over the now defunct action committees that were set-up to probe the attacks on journalists and media houses, and stressed on its revival.

According to Nikhil Wagle, in the last 20 years, there have been as many as 879 attacks on journalists and media houses in the state. "The situation in rural areas is far worse," he added.

Ram pointed out that in Maharashtra, there have been 180 attacks on media personnel and media houses in the last two years.

Gurbir Singh, president of Mumbai Press Club, said that Home Minister R R Patil's absence at the meeting was deeply regretted by the media personnel.

Investigation
Referring to the three PILs and one intervener application demanding a CBI probe in the J Dey murder case, the panel said that they will wait for the High Court's decision that is due after a fortnight.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik was also present at the meeting. He informed the panel that the investigators needed more time to solve the murder case.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!