3-member PCI panel to probe KCR remarks on media

A three-member committee has been formed by the Press Council of India (PCI) to probe into the alleged threats by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao against the media

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A three-member committee comprising senior journalists Rajeev Ranjan Nag (convenor), K Amarnath and Krishna Prasad will make its recommendations for protection of the media in Telangana from threats and intimidations, said an order issued by PCI Chairperson Justice (retd) Markandey Katju. The committee would probe “whether the Telangana CM made the statements attributed to him that he would break the necks and bury underground media persons” and that “they should salute the Telangana people if they wish to live in the state”.It would also probe whether this violates Article 19 (1) (a) pertaining to freedom of speech and expression, the rights guaranteed by Article 19(1)(e) and (g) of the Constitution.

 The order further said that the panel would also enquire whether there was a threat perception to the media in Telangana and its free functioning. It will also recommend what steps are necessary for the protection of the media in Telangana in discharging its duties.Katju said it had been brought to his notice that Rao, while addressing the public at Warangal, said he would break the neck of those in the media who insult the pride of Telangana, its culture and self respect.