Updated October 31st, 2019 at 13:35 IST
Andhra Pradesh govt seeks crackdown on defamatory news, TDP slams move
The Andhra Pradesh government issued an order on Wednesday authorising a crackdown on defamatory news. This move was criticised by TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu.
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On Wednesday, the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led Andhra Pradesh government issued an order authorising the secretaries of respective departments to file appropriate legal cases against defamatory news published in print, social, or electronic media. This was an extension of Government Order no. 938 of 2007, whereby the then Chief Minister YS Rajashekar Reddy allowed a designated officer to file defamation cases against publishers and editors. The order claimed that there was an attempt to deliberately tarnish the image of the government.
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The order read, "Instances have come to the notice of the government that certain print, electronic, and social media are deliberately trying to tarnish the image of government and government officials by spreading false, baseless, and defamatory news with malafide interest.” It added, "After careful examination of the matter, government hereby accords permission to delegate powers to the Secretaries of respective departments to issue rejoinders, file complaints and lodge appropriate cases, if need be, through public prosecutor against defamatory news items published/telecast/posted in print/electronic/social media pertaining to their respective departments after following due process of law."
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TDP chief condemns the order
Former CM Chandrababu Naidu, the chief of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) condemned this order. Maintaining that people had a right to ask questions in a democracy, he claimed that this was an attempt to stifle the freedom of expression. Furthermore, he expressed apprehension that the Andhra Pradesh government could target those who were showcasing its failures and promised to fight against this order.
The right to question, criticize and showcase the failures of a govt is fundamental to democracy. @ysjagan’s govt has today issued the draconian GO 2430 that aims to curb freedom of expression in AP. This is meant to stifle people's voice on social media (1/2) pic.twitter.com/aNgbH6376C
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn)
Prodded by the YSRC Party, the Police will now be able to foist false cases to harass media institutions & people who are showcasing the many failures of the Govt. If necessary, we will take the fight to the streets until this oppressive GO is cancelled! (2/2)
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn)
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(With ANI inputs)
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Published October 31st, 2019 at 12:11 IST