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Journalism of Courage
The Congress today distanced both Rahul Gandhi and the party from a controversial Bill moved by Rahuls close aide and Congress MP Meenakshi Natarajan,which proposes a draconian set of rules to gag the media.
The Bill was based on her views. These are not the views of Rahul Gandhi. Neither are these his views nor has she got his consent for this Bill, Congress media department chairman Janardan Dwivedi told reporters.
Natarajan had given notice to introduce a private members Bill,titled Print and Electronic Media Standards and Regulation Bill,2012,in the Lok Sabha on Friday,but was absent from the House when it was to be introduced.
The Bill sought to provide for a media regulatory authority with a sweeping set of powers including imposing a ban or suspending coverage of an event or incident that may pose a threat to national security from foreign or internal sources. The authority would have the power to impose a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh,suspend a media organisations operations for up to 11 months,and recommend cancellation of its licence. It is to be exempt from the Right to Information Act.
Information & Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni had earlier clarified that it was a private members Bill,which did not necessarily reflect the thinking of the government or the party.
Many Congress MPs have slammed Natarajans Bill,pointing out that the media has played a key role in exposing corruption and raising issues of governance,and there is no need to put any curbs on the media.
