Withdraw Cases, Allow Newspapers to Report - ILNA Press Release - July 29, 2021

Indian Languages Newspapers Association
Delhi Press Building
E-8 Jhandewala Estate
New Delhi 110055

Press Release

Indian Languages Newspapers Association is deeply concerned that the Newspapers, their owners, editors, correspondents, feature writers are being subjected to Income Tax Raids, Phone Tapping through new kinds of soft wares, frequent criminal cases filed from multiple places if the newspapers have written what is not liked by those in power. Newspapers are backbone of vibrant and true democracy. Only they can air the grievances of public in a proper manner.

The Newspapers do not demand a special status, but when rulers pick only critical newspapers for raids and phone tapping, it becomes clear that the actions are not law taking its usual course. This clearly shows that for some it is crime to air the grievances of public.

ILNA opposes this predetermined attitude of the governments and demands that states and central governments uphold the spirit of the Constitution and follow democratic norms. It is demanded that all such cases be withdrawn immediately and the newspapers be given full opportunity to report without fear.

It may be clarified that only in very few cases the Newspapers have ever rarely been convicted of any wrong reporting.

New Delhi

29.7.2021