(a) whether the Government proposes to enact any new law to provide security to media personnel;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the salient features of the said law along with the time by which the said law is likely to be enacted;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Government also proposes to convert the criminal cases against media into civil cases; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE: MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES {SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR}
(a) to (c) : ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The existing laws are adequate for protection of citizens including journalists. Also the Press Council of India takes appropriate action on receipt of specific complaints from affected journalist. Representations on providing security are received from or on behalf of individuals, including journalists. All such representations are examined and based on inputs received regarding threat assessment, required action is taken. There is no mechanism/requirement to segregate the request protectees according to profession of the individuals. Central Government attaches highest importance to prevention of crime. An advisory on safety of journalists has been issued to States/UTs on 20th October, 2017 which is available at the Ministry of Home Affairs’ website viz. www.mha.gov.in.
(d) to (e) : No such proposal is under consideration at present.
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