'Such an action didn't happen even during Emergency'
Sunday, November 9 2003 20:15 Hrs (IST)
New Delhi: Defence Minister George Fernandes today (November 9) said the Tamil Nadu Assembly's
action against the senior journalists of 'The Hindu' was something that had not happened even during
the "dark days of Emergency".
"It is galling I have to see that 'The Hindu' and its editors relive those dark days today," he said in a
statement issued after his return from a five-day official visit of Kyrgystan and Kazakhstan.
Expressing hope that Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa would "resile" from her position, Fernandes, who is
also the Samata Party president, said the daily had a reputation for objectivity both in the presentation
of news and in its editorial comments, in keeping with the old adage that "news is sacred, comment is
free".
"What is happening to 'The Hindu' and its editors is something that had not happened even during the
dark days of Indira Gandhi's Emergency," he said.
Fernandes said he could not find anything in 'The Hindu' editorial, which was reproduced in another
national daily today, that could be termed as breach of privilege or contempt of the House.
PTI
What do you think of this article ? Click here to post your views

Related Links
'Jaya had no part in TN Assembly decision'
Prasad to ask TN Speaker to reverse arrest order
|