New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India on Thursday said it was perturbed by the reported threats that criminal action will be initiated against journalists or lawyers who use documents pertaining to Rafale fighter jet deal with France. The Press Club of India, the Indian Women’s Press Corps and the Press Association also expressed “deep concern” on the development. Attorney General K.K. Venugopal told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that petitions seeking an inquiry into the Rafale fighter jet deal were based on documents “stolen” from the Defence Ministry.
And the government would initiate “criminal proceedings” since the documents were related to sensitive military purchases and were covered by the Official Secrets Act, he said.
The Guild condemned the Attorney General’s remarks and said any attempt to use the Official Secrets Act against journalists would be reprehensible.
“Although the Attorney General later clarified that the investigation and contemplated action would not be initiated against journalists or lawyers who used these documents, the Guild is perturbed over such threats. These will intimidate the media in general and curb its freedom to report and comment on the Rafale deal in particular,” the Guild said in a statement. It further said that asking journalists to disclose their sources was also reprehensible.
“The Guild denounces these threats and urges the government to refrain from initiating any action that might undermine the media’s freedom and independence,” the statement said. (IANS)
