Amaravathi: The Andhra Pradesh government led by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has issued an order to prosecute media organisations over “baseless, false and defamatory news” items in print, electronic and social media.
The Order is based on the state Cabinet’s nod on 16th October; to revive the G.O. (No.938) dated February 20, 2007 that was initiated by the Cabinet headed by then Chief Minister YS Rajasekar Reddy (father of YS Jagan). While the previous draft was limited to print and electronic media, the present Government Order included social media posts also liable for legal action.
Briefing on the G.O., the Information Commissioner, T Vijay Kumar Reddy said, “Instances have come to the notice of the government that certain print, electronic and social media organisations are deliberately trying to tarnish the image of the govt and its officials by spreading false, baseless and defamatory news with malafide interest. In order to see that true and correct information reaches to people, govt has empowered special commissioner of Information and Public Relations department to file cases under appropriate sections of the Law.”
The government hereby accords permission to delegate powers to the Secretaries of respective departments to issue rejoinders, file complaints and lodge appropriate cases, if need be, through public prosecutor against defamatory news items published/telecast/posted in print/electronic/social media pertaining to their respective departments after following due process of law, added the G.O.
The ruling AP Government is already in collision course with media entities like TV5 Network and ABN Andhra Jyothi, while the YS Jaganhimself runs Sakshi Newspaper and News Channel.
