Chhattisgarh passes Bill for protection of mediapersons

The Bill asks for the registration of all mediapersons with a broad classification of journalists, media institutions and mass media, such as news gatherers, freelancers, trainees and interns.

To deal with complaints from the media, a committee will be constituted under a chairperson who will be a retired administrative or police officer not below the rank of secretary. Three mediapersons with over 10 years of experience, including at least one woman, and two senior government officials will be the members of the committee.

The committee shall have the same powers throughout the state as are vested with the civil court while trial of a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908). The committee shall have the power to recommend emergency protection measures and protection plans to the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the district concerned, who in turn will take appropriate decisions as per law.

In cases where there are allegations or trial or inquiry/investigation against a mediaperson, the committee will have powers to direct the SP of the district concerned to supervise the investigation and submit a report within 15 days. If the SP and district prosecution officer determine it is a fit case for withdrawal from prosecution, it shall recommend this to the committee which in turn shall forward its report to the state government, requesting for withdrawal of prosecution.

The committee can also act against mediapersons for giving false complaints. For the first false complaint, the registration will be cancelled and for a second time, a fine may go up to Rs 10,000.

A website will be created where information about the registered mediapersons, complaints received and action taken will be available. An authority will be prescribed to deal with appeals against actions of the committee.