Gadchiroli April 3 (District Correspondent) The Gadchiroli Press club has strongly opposed the Bill introduced by Maharashtra Legislative Assembly recently saying the bill violates the fundamental rights enshrined in Article 19 of the Indian Constitution and should not be implemented.
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister through the District Collector, Press Club members expressed their concerns over the bill. They stated that the Bill aims to impose restrictions on specific unlawful acts by individuals and organizations. However, they argue that the bill uses vague definitions, potentially allowing its misuse to suppress individuals and institutions based on political, social, and ideological grounds.
It is a severe impact on freedom of expression, citizens may face barriers in expressing their opinions or criticizing government policies, it poses threat to journalism and media freedom, journalists, media institutions, and social media influencers could be unfairly targeted, said the memorandum.
Legal protests and movements led by NGOs and civil organizations may face restrictions, the Bill does not clearly define ‘specific unlawful acts,’ which could lead to excessive administrative powers, citizens’ rights to question the government could be significantly curtailed, it stated.
The Press Club has demanded the complete withdrawal of the bill, citing its potential adverse effects on civil rights, democratic values, and freedom of expression in Maharashtra. It also urged the government to hold extensive public hearings on the Bill before it is introduced.
Press Club President Avinash Bhandekar, Vice President Rohidas Raut, Secretary Rupraj Wakode, Joint Secretary Suresh Nagraale, Treasurer Shemdev Chafle, and members Suresh Padmashali, Milind Umre, Manoj Tajne, Nilesh Patle, Nandkishore Kathwate, and Vilas Dasmukhe were present in the delegation.
