Freedom of press: When the watchdog is bitten

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Press is regarded as the �watchdog� of democracy. Unfortunately there is scanty regard for its freedom in India. Attacks of press make it evident that democracy in India has still not matured, even after five decades of independence.

CJ: sathyan

Mon, Jun 09, 2008 15:32:49 IST

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India News :

THE SLOGANS to restore the freedom of press have began to surface once again in the wake of recent attack on the house of Kumar Ketkar, editor of Marathi daily Loksatta. Reportedly, 60 activists of the pro-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Shivsangaram Sanghatna smashed the window panes and pelted stones to vent their anger over an editorial that criticised Maharashtra government’s decision to spend Rs 100 crores on erecting a statue, which can rather be spent to stop farmer suicides, and other developmental measures.

No political outfit in India can boast of accepting constructive criticism, particularly when it comes to public policy decisions. Political leaders across all parties and all states will talk about ‘freedom of press’ only when they are not in power. We have seen numerous instances of newspaper offices being ransacked, journalists being roughed up ruling party goons.

Freedom of expression forms an essential basis for democratic functioning of a society. In a democracy, every journalist has the right to express his or her views on public issues and their views need not necessarily support the views of dominant groups or influential personalities in power. Attacking an editor for expressing his views over a government’s decision is highly condemnable.

Press is regarded as the ‘watchdog’ of democracy. Unfortunately, there is scanty regard for its freedom in India, supposed to be the world’s largest democracy. The recent attack makes it evident that democracy in India has still not matured, even after five decades of independence.

No political party is different when it comes to displaying declining tolerance levels and rampant arrogance, as party offices are flocked by people with criminal backgrounds and malicious intentions. Political outfits have become ruthless and power-hungry. They forget that they are there to serve the masses.

According to a survey conducted by media advocacy group in Paris during October 2006, ranking countries from best to worst in protecting the freedom of press, India was ranked at 115 in restoring press freedom, while Denmark topped the list. Reportedly, North Korea is the worst violator of press freedom, while journalist in Finland, Ireland, Iceland and Netherlands enjoy most liberty.

While upholding the freedom of press, the press, on its part, should bear in mind that freedom of the press does not mean a license to write anything. Care should be taken as we have instances of journalists invading the personal lives of people, in the name of freedom of press, causing irreparable damage to their character, dignity and future.

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