Centre Attaches 'Highest Importance' To Safety Of Journalists, States Should Adhere To 2017 Advisory

Responding to a question on increasing number of cases against journalists, Centre said that the NCRB does not maintain specific data with respect to cases against journalists.  

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New Delhi: The Central government, in 2017 had issued advisory for the safety of journalists and had requested its adehrence for security of media, said Minister of State for Home Nityanad Rai in Rajya Sabha. "An advisory specifically on the safety of journalists was issued to States/UTs on 20th October 2017 requesting them to strictly enforce the law to ensure the safety and security of media," said the minister on Tuesday in the Upper House of Parliament. 

"Central Government attaches highest importance to the safety and security of all including journalists. The Ministry of Home Affairs have issued advisories to States and UTs, from time to time, to maintain law and order and ensure that any person who takes law into his/her own hand is punished promptly as per law," the Minister added further in a written reply . 

An advisory specifically on the safety of journalists was issued to States/UTs on 20th October 2017 requesting them to strictly enforce the law to ensure the safety and security of media: MoS Home Nityanand Rai to Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/NXnia6B9hi

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2022

Responding to the question whether government is aware of increase in the number of cases registered by various State Governments against journalists critical of their performance, the Minister said, "The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) does not maintain specific data with respect to cases against journalists." 

"Police' and 'Public Order' are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and State Governments are responsible for prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and for prosecuting the criminals through their law enforcement agencies. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) does not maintain specific data with respect to cases against journalists," the response stated.