Press Council of India serves notice to AP on media gag order

Amaravati: The Press Council of India has taken cognizance of AP Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s decision, to empower secretaries concerned to initiate legal action against media if it published false stories.

The PCI moved a Suo-Motu on November 1st against G.O 2430 (dated 30-10-2019) of the government of AP.

Expressing grave concern over the issue, Chairman of PCI Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad said, ‘ I am of the view that the threat to prosecute media personnel, in general, shall demoralize the journalist in large which shall have a severe bearing on the freedom of the press. Not only this the problem which the order in question seeks to redress can very well be remedied by the council itself.

While taking Suo-Motu cognizance of the issue, the Chairman has directed the government of AP through its chief secretary and special Commissioner ( I & PR) to file reply statement in this matter.

Press Council of India moving a Suo-Moto on the draconian GO 2430 is a tight slap on the face of @ysjagan’s Govt which wants to harass journos and people voicing concerns on social media. We will continue to raise the issue at all platforms and not rest until the Govt recalls it. pic.twitter.com/7OS2DCADzd

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) November 2, 2019

The Jagan Mohan Reddy led government in AP passed an order, empowering their secretaries concerned to initiate legal action against media houses for false news reporters that could ‘hamper the progress of the state’.