‘For Press freedom’, govt lifts ban on 2 channels

New Delhi, March 7

The government today revoked the 48-hour ban on two Malayalam news channels hours after imposing the punitive measure on charges of being critical of the RSS, Delhi Police and siding with one community while covering last month’s violence in Delhi.

It was not immediately clear whether widespread criticism of the ban on Asianet News and Media One channels prompted the government to withdraw the restrictions.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said in Pune that PM Narendra Modi expressed concern over the issue, adding the government supported Press freedom. Without going into specifics, he said he would look into the matter and take “essential steps” if any wrongdoing is found.

“I will definitely go into the details and take essential steps, if there is any wrongdoing… Everybody should accept that there has to be responsible freedom,” he said.

Asianet News Editor MG Radhakrishnan said they had contacted the ministry and explained their position. Media One Editor-in-chief CL Thomas said they did not reach out to the government and the ministry revoked the ban “suo motu”. — PTI