How to Bridle the Press and bring it under RTI ?

[colnrkurup]

I know that prima facie it appears too foolish. But is it that foolish ? Can't the fertile minds of this forum put our head togther to create a cituation bringing the Press also under RTI ? Of cource I have been maintaining an utopian idea which no none other than me is likely to agree. According to me everything in India is under its Constitution . Any public functionery inluding media function at the will and pleasure of the government. How can we say that the government has no control over the Press. The government can make the Press close down suo motu in many ways.

What will happen if the government declare that the RTI is applicable to Press ? In fact the CIC and SICs can do it. Let the Press challenge it and make themselves a laughing stock of opposing one of the basic principles of the constitution The Press of a democratic country has the liberty to say no. Let them say 'No' The government has to take a stand that in case the Press is not prepared to abide by principles envisaged in the constitution vis-a-vis freedom of expression, it has all the liberty to take it out of control of government thereby sans advertisement, sans special quota of newsprint, sans concessions in vrious fields, sans invitation to attend government functions, sans release of government news, sans invitation to government Press conferences, sans attention of its existance. Let that paticular Paper function the way it desire without any of the controls or concesions from government.

I have no doubt that the Press will fall at the feet and agree to abide by RTI. Cant' we persue ? We can project the question or seek the inconvenient informtion from the public authority under whom the particular media falls for administrative support..

[opsharma]

Bridling of press will lead to control and interference by govt resulting in very serious repercussions wrt democratic ,objective ,independent and courageous functioning of the fourth estate . Control of press is the first step towards dictatorship. It will be worse than not having RTI .Independent Media/press are the biggest catalyst for RTI success, and great check on the legitimate and accountable functioning of the Executive,Legislative and Judiciary .
An independent press with all its shortcomings is anyday better than a Govt comtrolled press.

[colnrkurup]

I fully agree with you; but unfortunately our Press seems to forget it and manipulate facts to make fool of WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA. What bothered me is their attitude towards RTI Act. Had the Press been litle more aware of the cituation mentioned by you, they would not been induging into spreading disinformation and ignore the dismal performances of the CIC and SICs. If the Press have been little more considerate to the Fundamental Rights of the People they would not have allowed such poor performance of the Commissions and allowed theCommissions to cross their limits..