In the vanguard of fighting for the rights of individual’s freedom to express their thoughts, BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar posted a tweet recalling his yeomen fight against Sec 66A
Bengaluru: BJP Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar has always stood for the rights of citizens.
He was in the vanguard of the fight way back in 2013 when the draconian Sec 66A was enacted by the then UPA government, only to be struck down the Supreme Court saying it infringes upon the rights of the individuals to express themselves.
In fact, he was also nominated for the prestigious Index Award in 2013.
He wrote on his Twitter account thus: #Flashback from 2013
When my work against Sec66A n against govt’s attempts to limit free expression online was recognized.
For those who ask me tdy, I say I will always fight to defend every Indian’s fundamental right to free speech used RESPONSIBLY.
from 2013
When my work against Sec66A n against govt’s attempts to limit free expression online was recognized.
For those who ask me tdy, I say I will always fight to defend every Indians fundamental right to free speech used RESPONSIBLY. pic.twitter.com/brtuBwvEqQ
Recently, the I&B ministry had banned Asianet News and MediaOne for alleged fake reporting of the Delhi riots.
But I&B minister Prakash Javdekar revoked the ban and also stated that it was a mistake on their part and they would take appropriate action.
"Two Kerala channels were banned for 48 hours, we found out what actually happened and immediately restored the channels. Our basic thought process is that press freedom is absolutely essential for a democratic setup," Javadekar had told reporters in Pune.
It might be recalled that the ministry on Friday had suspended the broadcast of the two channels in an order which stated: "While reporting such a critical incident, the channels should have taken utmost care and should have reported it in a balanced way. Such reporting could enhance the communal disharmony across the country when the situation is highly volatile”.
A statement by the news channel said, "It is reassuring that Union minister Prakash Javadekar has admitted that ban was a mistake and would take appropriate steps if there was wrongdoing on part of the ministry."
"Our democracy ensures every entity in India including media a due process of law before guilt or innocence is pronounced. Regrettably, we were not afforded this opportunity in the decision by the I&B Ministry to ban us for 48 hours. Bans without due process violate the principle of natural justice and reinforce a perception of coercion by the regulator," the statement added.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.