Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On media freedom

This refers to the editorial "An assault beaten back" (Feb. 26). The raging confrontation between the Andhra Pradesh Government and the media is unfortunate. By issuing the controversial GO empowering the Special Commissioner, Information and Public Relations, to file criminal defamation cases against the media, the Government made a blatant attempt to muzzle the press. Chief Minister Rajasekhara Reddy's bid to distance himself from the order by feigning ignorance is a big letdown for those who respect democracy. It is time he assumed control of the situation and ended the avoidable tussle.

M. Somasekhar Prasad,
Badvel

Slapping criminal defamation cases on newspapers and employing ways to keep a watch on the media do not augur well for democracy. If the media do not expose governments, who will educate and inform the people?

The YSR Government made a mistake by issuing GO 938. Attacks on Margadarsi with a view to weakening the Eenadu group are unfortunate.

B. Venkateswarlu,
Tadepalli Gudem

True, GO 938 was regressive. But it is also true that Eenadu is biased and often its reports make baseless allegations.

A. Vasu Kishore Reddy,
Kadapa

The media too should act responsibly. They should not misuse their freedom for their vested interests. There are hundreds of instances of media excesses against political opponents. Media power is not absolute. They need to function within the framework of reasonable restrictions.

Sambi Reddy Endreddy,
Hyderabad

The manner in which Dr. Reddy is seeking to wash his hands of the GO reminds me of a case of glucose adulteration due to which some patients died in a hospital. A ward boy was held responsible for the deaths. How can a Chief Minister who is unaware of the contents of an order issued by his government remain at the helm of affairs?

K.J. Rao,
Secunderabad

With the Government withdrawing the order, the politico-bureaucratic game of obfuscation has started in Andhra Pradesh in all earnest. It will be some junior staff in the chain of command who will be sacrificed.

H.N. Ramakrishna,
Bangalore

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