Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Absurd proposal' that was published in Newsband

Absurd proposal

Someone has made a proposal that there should be licences, qualifications and common entrance examinations for journalists. Attempt is being made to circumscribe and limit the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression for journalists.

Any attempt to prescribe licences and qualifications for journalists will necessarily end up limiting what ordinary citizens can do. As in other democracies, newspapers in India do not require a licence to operate. Only in authoritarian or managed democracies, press licensing is the norm. What is mooted as an exercise to raise the quality of journalism could just as well pose a threat to the free flow of information, and to the freedom of speech and expression.

Media in India, specially the print media, is doing their job very well. Media which acts like vigilance has the right to publish and place politicians in embarrassing situations. One of the ministers wants a journalist to have minimum qualification. What is the minimum qualification required for the politicians who become MC, MLA and MP and ministers? Let us fix it first.

 In order to create a good democratic environment in a country, fair reporting on the basis of facts is indispensable. To render the service of journalism effectively and in a honest way, journalist must shoulder their responsibilities; otherwise the role of the basic pillar of democracy will be questionable. But it does not imply that the government should impose restrictions on journalist on the matter relating to reporting of news which is contrary to the basic principle of democracy.

Here in India, most of the journalists, though not all, have succeeded to render their service honestly and in an efficient way. Therefore, raising question on efficiency of media persons is not justifiable. Yes, the government should conduct an examination among the politicians who aspire to be legislators. It will enhance the potential of our democratic system.

It is strange that while almost all the political parties are fighting the proposals to bring in election expenses under the ambit of RTI Act and to disqualify those in police/ judicial custody from contesting elections, Government is planning to stipulate minimum qualifications and experience for journalists!

One should consider that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic rights and freedoms. Freedom of expression is essential in enabling democracy to work and public participation in decision making. Citizens cannot exercise their right to vote effectively or take part in public decision-making if they do not have free access to information and ideas and are not able to express their views freely. Freedom of expression is thus not only important for individual dignity but also to participation, accountability and democracy.

There may be certain extreme forms of expression, which need to be curtailed for the protection of other human rights. Limiting freedom of expression in such situations is always a fine balancing act. The particular form of expression which is banned in some countries is “hate speech”.

Countries around the world that have emerged from authoritarian and totalitarian rule are discovering that a free political society cannot exist without Free News Media. Because democracy involves public debate and open decision-making, the free exchange of ideas, opinions, and information is essential. Newspapers, magazines, radio and television serve as both forums for debate and sources of information on which decisions can be based.

The government’s attempt to impose minimum qualification for a journalist is a clear indication that the government is planning to pave the path to take total control of media in their hand. This is not democratic behaviour!