Question : Safety of Journalists

(a) whether the existing laws for safety/protection of journalists are adequate keeping in view the rising crimes against journalists in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has taken cognizance of the rising attacks on journalists in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with the number of journalists injured/ died in such attacks during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(d) the number of enquiries conducted along with the number of persons arrested in the said attacks during the said period, State/UT-wise; and

(e) the other steps taken by the Government to ensure adequate security to journalists in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (e): The existing laws for protection of citizens also cover journalists. ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution and State Governments are responsible for


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L.S.US.Q.NO.1293 FOR 09.02.2021

prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and for prosecuting the criminals through their law enforcement agencies. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) does not maintain specific data with respect to attacks on journalists. Central Government attaches highest importance to the safety and security of all residents of the country including journalists. The Ministry of Home Affairs have issued advisories to States and Union Territories, from time to time, to maintain law and order and ensure that any person who takes law into his/her own hands is punished promptly as per law. An advisory specifically on safety of journalists was issued to States/UTs on 20th October 2017 requesting them to strictly enforce the law to ensure safety and security of media persons. These advisories are available on the Ministry’s website: www.mha.gov.in.

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