PIL challenges gag order

A PIL was filed in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, challenging the Delhi government’s decision over the issuance of a circular calling on all government officials — from the chief minister, cabinet ministers and government officials — to report matters of criminal defamation.

Challenging the validity of the circular, Advocate M L Sharma said in his petition, “It is a clear case of an attempt to violate the fundamental right of the citizens of India as granted under Article 19 of the Constitution.” The “impugned circular has been issued to save himself and kill freedom of press as well right to know of the general public,” it said.