AMRAVATI (AP): The Andhra Pradesh high Court on Monday has dismissed a writ petition challenging the government order enabling action against the publications or television channels which publish or telecast baseless and false reports to malign the image of the State government.
The State Government issued GO (2430) to this effect on Oct 30, 2019 and the same was challenged through a writ petition in the High Court.
The Information and Public Relations department, respondent in the case, submitted to the High Court that the GO was aimed at authorizing respective heads of departments to issue rejoinders or book cases wherever needed against the publications or television channels which publish or telecast fake news damaging the image of the State government.
The GO was not solely aimed at taking criminal action against the publications or television channels. The respondent further brought to the notice of the High Court the GO can in no way be construed as curbing freedom of press or throwing impediment in collection of news.
The High Court concurred with the argument of the respondent, that is, Information and Public Relations department, and dismissed the petition stating that the High Court need not interfere at this juncture.
The High Court observed that the media should adhere to the
Press Council of India guidelines while publishing or telecast of any
news item. The High Court also ruled that the jurisdictional courts can take up matters relating to the action to be initiated by the State government.
(AP Bureau).
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