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| `Withholding advertisements violates freedom of expression’ | | Andha bantay rewdian; mud mud kar day apnoo ko | |
Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 12: The Urdu adage Andha bantay rewdian; mud mud kar day apnoo ko. A blind man was entrusted the job of distributing money among the poor to ensure just and equitable distribution to all. However, he betrayed the trust reposed in him by turning to right and left to give maximum to his kith and kin. How beautifully does this adage apply to the information department?
The department of information is supposed to act impartially especially as far as distribution of advertisements to newspapers is concerned. Monitoring the content of the newspapers is not the job of the information department. There are other agencies to monitor the content. But, like the typical blind man mentioned above, the information department looks for those who write beautiful pieces of prose and poetry for a government that has virtually failed at every front.
When George Bush attacked Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks, he sought support from other countries. Normally he should have requested for help. But his arrogance was quite visible in his appeal. Instead of saying please help us, he said: “You are either with us or against us.” Similarly the information department wants every newspaper published from the state to be with the government. “Be with the government or face the consequences”, the message is loud and clear.
Early Times has never advocated or promoted separatism. It has never supported the unscrupulous elements. Yes, it has very often exercised its democratic right conferred on it by Article 19 (1) (a) of the Indian Constitution. If it has taken an exception to some decisions of the government or criticized various polices, it has only fulfilled its obligation. Can it be penalized for this?
According to High Court lawyer Siraj-ud-Din, the curbs on Early Times are unconstitutional as they violate Article 19. “Withholding advertisements amounts to suppressing the freedom to speech and expression”, he opines.
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