Sir,

I was shocked to read KBG’s Abracadabra titled “Audacity of Legislators” (SOM dated Mar.24). This is not a disaster only for the Press and Media. In fact it is we the people who should be even more concerned. If the Press does not inform us of the shenanigans of our political leaders who will?

There is no need to stress the importance of the Free Press for the proper functioning of our democracy. Let us recall that it was by gagging the Press, Indira Gandhi managed to put down the potential revolt against her dictatorial rule during the Emergency.

It is not that our Press is doing a great job and beyond any criticism. However, there are more than enough laws to punish the wrong-doers.

How can the proposed Press Panel decide what is arbitrary news? Anything exposing the wrong doings of the political leaders will become arbitrary for them.

We the people cannot be indifferent and be mute spectators. We need to contact our MLAs, MPs, MLCs, MLAs-in-waiting and prominent leaders and ask them two questions:

Do they agree with this latest development of gagging the Press? If they do not agree, what will they do to stop it and if they do agree, why?

– Bhamy V. Shenoy, Mysuru, 24.3.2017