(a) whether the Government have received any complaints from press/media people against
police excesses or high handedness during coverage of various incidents in Tamil Nadu
during 2001;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the matter was referred to Press Council for enquiry;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government have given compensation/relief to the affected Press/Media
people under the various welfare funds; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)
(a) to (d): Press Council of India has informed that they had initiated suo-motu inquiry into the
attacks on media persons of Tamil Nadu by the Tamil Nadu police while the journalists
were covering the arrests of Shri M. Karunanidhi, ex-Chief Minister, Tamil Nadu and
Union Ministers Shri T.R. Balu and Shri Murasoli Maran and that the Council had also
received complaints from Sun TV and the Photographers` Association. The Press Council
set up a fact-finding Committee to inquire into the alleged police attacks on the
journalists. The said Committee submitted its report and the same was forwarded to the
State Government of Tamil Nadu in December 2001 for appropriate action.
(e) No Sir.
(f) Does not arise.