The National Union of Journalists (India) believes that in a vast democracy like India, where the freedom of expression is fortified within its Constitution, the freedom of the press to report without fear and favour should be properly protected. Any attempt to obstruct the spirit of the Constitution is highly deplorable. In this context the recent development in West Bengal is highly condemnable. According to reports, Dr Praveen Tiwari is being harassed by Kolkata Police, he is a senior print and TV journalist for the last 20 years. Recently he got operated on for gallbladder too. The reports of Dr Tiwari are to wake up governments for such irregularities during the Corona pandemic. Dr. Praveen Tiwari tried this through his video reports. Now, Kolkata police is harassing him by registering a case against him in 41(a) CRPC. The Kolkata police are sending him notices and asking him to come to Kolkata. In the era of pandemic the pressure is being made to suppress the voice of journalists. Such miscreant efforts will reduce the morale of journalists.
Ras Bihari President NUJ(I) said that Mamata Banerjee government is repeatedly threatening the media and harassing journalists. The present incident is a clear case of a threat to media freedom in West Bengal. Summoning the Editor is nothing but aims at harassing and intimidating the journalists and as such a clear violation of the press freedom. NUJ(I) urges the highest authorities in the administration to take a serious note of such types of incidents that are repeatedly happening in WestBengal so that journalists are provided a conducive atmosphere to work without any threat and pressure.
Prasanna Mohanty, Secretary General NUJ(I) said that such type of attempt to muzzle the Press Freedom in West Bengal is highly deplorable. The present state Government of West Bengal should refrain from such type of anti media stand and should allow the press to function without any external pressure or threat.
