The Hindu : It is politics, says Kanchi Acharya

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

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It is politics, says Kanchi Acharya

By Our Staff Reporter

THANJAVUR NOV. 12. "It is politics," said the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Sri Jayendra Saraswati, when his reaction was sought by presspersons here today to the Tamil Nadu Assembly sentencing five representatives of The Hindu and the Editor of Murasoli with 15 days simple imprisonment for alleged breach of privilege.

However, the Acharya said, "press freedom prevailed in the State and that the press and media should write without exceeding limits". He hastened to add that, "I am not saying that in this case — i.e., The Hindu and Murasoli case — they exceeded the limits. But in general, the media should behave responsibly".

The Acharya blamed the press, in particular satellite channels and Tamil newspapers and journals, for all social evils. "You are spoiling the youth by writing whatever you want," he said. Tamil newspapers and journals were replete with stories on film and TV serial actors and actresses. "You should write and take serials to keep man a man and not to turn him into animals," he added.

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