The Hindu : Set up a commission

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Nov 13, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Set up a commission

Sir, — Press freedom is paramount in a parliamentary democracy. In 1948, regarding the issue of parliamentary privilege vis-à-vis Press freedom, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel suggested the setting up of a commission. The chairmanship of the commission was offered to S.A. Govindarajan, senior journalist and Assistant Editor of The Hindu. At that time, Jawaharlal Nehru had reservations about the limitation of parliamentary privilege. SAG too felt the commission would not be allowed to function freely.

At this hour, the Government can reconsider the setting up of a similar commission, by an Act of Parliament, under the chairmanship of a senior journalist. It can define the limits to parliamentary privilege, Press freedom and the role of the Executive.

Uma Balakrishnan,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The incidents of the last five days remind me of the Keshav Singh case wherein the Uttar Pradesh legislature passed an order to arrest him. The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court granted him bail. The legislature issued a mandate that the judges and the advocate in the case appear before it. The imbroglio was resolved but the question who is superior remains.

S.S. Venkata Subramanian,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Rightly, the Prime Minister has called for a report from the Tamil Nadu Governor on the issue. The Governor has an important role in safeguarding constitutional rights. The issue has thrown up a constitutional question.

R. Muralikumar,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — As the Prime Minister said, do not cross the Ram Rekha in this hour of crisis.

S.K. Swami Sriram,

Chennai

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