'Only During Emergency...': Rajnath Singh Says Press Freedom Never Restricted In India

The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that beyond the dark period of the Emergency, successive governments, regardless of party affiliation, have upheld the freedom of the press.

File photo of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Source : PTI

New Delhi: Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the fundamental importance of Press freedom within India's democratic framework during an event. Reflecting on the nation's history, he remarked that aside from the regrettable period of the Emergency, no significant restrictions have been imposed on the Press. 

"The media is known as the fourth pillar of democracy," the Defence Minister said in his address at the NDTV Defence Summit, adding that it works as a link between the government and the people.

Rajnath Singh reiterated that since India's Independence, the executive, legislature, and judiciary have consistently emphasized and upheld the freedom of the press. He also emphasised that this collective commitment has resulted in the flourishing of a vibrant media culture in the country, reported PTI.

During his address, the Union minister made a reference to the period of the Emergency imposed in the 1970s, refraining from explicitly naming any political party or leader. He underscored that in the history of India's democracy, barring the dark chapter of the Emergency, there has been a consistent absence of restrictions on the freedom of the Press.

Referring to the era of the Emergency, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader highlighted the suppression and infringement upon media freedom without specifying any individuals or political parties. He said: "Articles were read before being published, headlines were determined from a party's headquarters."

I Was Jailed During Emergency: Rajnath Singh

Rajnat Singh said journalists were sent to jail for opposing the government. "I was jailed during the Emergency. Many journalists were harassed and even jailed," he said. Singh's remarks came ahead of the Lok Sabha polls likely to be held in April-May, as per PTI.

Rajnath Singh said that beyond the dark period of the Emergency, successive governments, regardless of party affiliation, have upheld the freedom of the Press. He clarified his statement, citing recent accusations alleging a lack of impartiality in certain sections of the media, which are allegedly favouring the government and echoing its rhetoric. "I feel all these charges are baseless. Still, I would like to say that the government and the media are institutions and parts of the society," he added.

On issues with a social consensus, the government's views are reflected in the media, Singh said.