PIB Press Release regarding Fake News Stands Withdrawn
PIB Press Release regarding Fake News uploaded last evening stands withdrawn.
The English words “The pen is mightier than the sword” were first written by novelist and playwright Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839, in his historical play Cardinal Richelieu. Richelieu, chief minister to King Louis XIII, discovers a plot to kill him, but as a priest, he is unable to take up arms against his enemies.
Indian democracy was under siege and in order to control the Free Press in the name of “FAKE NEWS” Minister Smriti Irani’s I&B ministry issued an order which has been now withdrawn after left right and center attack from nonpress and social media by the public. In fact, this is a win for GenX media. Thanks to the people and Prime Minister he at least showed that if anything not correct he is ready to rectify.
But throughout the day the wrong message went globally that India is on a path of dictatorship with Press censorship in the name of “FAKE NEWS”. We also protest any such move. But at the same time, responsible journalism is also needed to keep away the goons with the pens.
The Editors Guild of India, strongly condemning the fake news order, said, “The Guild acknowledges the intervention of the Prime Minister’s Office to withdraw the I & B Ministry’s notification but remains deeply disturbed that faith continues to be reposed on the Press Council of India to deliver justice on such issues. The recent reconstitution of the Press Council of India has been done in a manner that gives rise to doubts over the independence of the institution and its ability to play neutral umpire.”
The PIB circular on #FakeNews control is a brazen attempt to curb press freedom, a sure sign that the Govt has lost its way. We demand the immediate withdrawal of such a draconian move. And
what about #FakeNews spread by a political party on a regular basis ?— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 3, 2018
Sensing mounting anger on the “fake news” notification, the PM orders a U-Turn on his own order.
One can clearly see a loss of control and panic setting in now. #BasEkAurSaal
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 3, 2018
Please name and shame serial offenders, says @sardesairajdeep at journalists meeting on #FakeNews. Listen in. #ReporterDiary pic.twitter.com/nM0wgw9vs6
— India Today (@IndiaToday) April 3, 2018
Act against those spreading fake news, don't attack India's free press: the Editors Guild roars in punchy statement. https://t.co/0bY86YjS4O
— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) April 3, 2018
How can #FakeNews be regulated?
N Ram, Former Editor-in Chief, The Hindu on @LRC_NDTV pic.twitter.com/pYoW13mPK9
— NDTV (@ndtv) April 3, 2018
.@OnReality_Check | Government's #FakeNews problem
Arun Shourie, Former Minister of Information Technology to NDTV pic.twitter.com/0IGesgAqED
— NDTV (@ndtv) April 3, 2018
“Jai Ho” Democracy of India.