Press Club of India, in collaboration with India’s leading press bodies and digital rights organizations, held a consultative meeting and passed a resolution demanding the rollback or repeal of provisions in various new laws that infringe upon press freedom. The resolution specifically calls on the newly formed government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address these concerns promptly.
The Press Club emphasized the need for the government to establish an institutional mechanism for stakeholder consultation before drafting any future media laws. This mechanism would ensure that press freedom is preserved and that any new regulations are developed with input from relevant parties, including journalists, media organizations, and digital rights advocates.
The Press Club of India and its partners believe that such a consultative process is crucial for maintaining a free and independent press, which is a cornerstone of democracy. By involving stakeholders in the law-making process, the government can ensure that new regulations do not inadvertently or intentionally curtail the freedom of the press.
The resolution represents a unified stance by the press community and digital rights organizations against any legislative measures that threaten journalistic independence. It underscores the importance of safeguarding press freedom in India and calls on the government to take immediate action to protect the rights of journalists and media professionals.