Kerala chief minister denies media restriction allegations and affirms commitment to press freedom
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T'puram: Chief minister
Pinarayi Vijayan
said the reports that the govt is imposing restrictions on media freedom in the state were baseless. "No such move has been made by the govt," he said in a statement issued here on Wednesday.
However, he accepted that the govt had initiated a probe on how a secret document was leaked to the media. "The govt decided to investigate the circumstances under which a highly confidential letter related to the World Bank's funding for the 'Kera' project was leaked to the media. The leakage and publication of such highly confidential letters can undermine the govt's credibility with financial institutions. Understanding how such a lapse occurred is essential for the smooth functioning of the govt," he said.
But portraying this as an action against journalists is negative propaganda. Investigating any lapses or errors in duty by the officials is a natural procedure and not a result of anyone's whims or pressures. The actions taken are lawful and procedural. The perception that journalists will be summoned for evidence as part of this fact-finding is incorrect, said the chief minister.
Anyone familiar with the media landscape in Kerala and the govt's approach to the media would not make such an allegation.
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There is a continuous spread of fake news and misinformation targeting the state govt. Even when false news is debunked with evidence, some media outlets persist in spreading misinformation without correction or apology. Malicious and defamatory news against the govt and ministers is published without restraint by print and electronic media.
The govt's policy is not to counter these with legal action or suppression.
The high media literacy and political awareness of the people of Kerala prevent such news from influencing the public. The mission to expose the creators of fake news is a democratic responsibility taken up by the people of Kerala, said the chief minister.
The country experienced emergencies, censorship and numerous press restrictions in the past. It is a fact that media freedom in the country lags behind the global average.
Media professionals and institutions face significant challenges and crises in contemporary India for reporting news. This govt does not agree with such actions and has a strong stance against them. The freedom and rights of the media will be protected in every sense.
At the same time, efforts to mislead the public and create sentiment against the govt through fake news will be exposed, he said.
"Maintaining a good relationship with the media is the govt's clear stance.
Deliberately discrediting the govt by leaking misleading news and attempting to undermine trust between institutions is a malicious act. The govt will not compromise with such unscrupulous methods," he pointed out.
Unfortunately, there have been attempts to equate Kerala with places where media freedom is being destroyed by repeatedly claiming that a non-existent event has occurred. This is strongly condemned. It is reiterated that no action against media freedom will be allowed in Kerala, he reiterated.
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