Mangaluru: Former Lokayutka Justice Santosh Hegde opposed the state government’s move on restricting media coverage inside the assembly and opined that the government should respect the freedom of the media.
Addressing reporters on Saturday, October 12, Hegde said that the media is the watchdog and that it plays a very important role in democracy since it is considered to be the fourth pillar of democracy. “Allowing only Doordarshan to cover the proceedings of the assembly session and banning national, regional private television channels is a wrong move by the government,” he said.
Commenting on the recent IT and ED raids, Hegde rubbished allegations that the investigations were politically motivated and said that it was the duty of such agencies to investigate.
“I don’t think it is politically motivated and the officials in government departments are only doing their duty. Any illegal activities should be prosecuted and stringent action should be taken against those who have indulged in illegal activities. Though the on-going IT raid and proceedings of ED look like they are politically motivated, I don’t agree with the allegation that it is politically motivated.
“Those who are opposing the move of IT and ED now, will do the same when they come to power,” he added.
Mentioning the case (under the sedition law) filed against celebrities who wrote to PM Modi about mob lynching, Hegde opined that the sedition law was framed for the larger interest of the nation’s integrity and it should not be used for any purpose other than national interest.
Replying to a query about the resignations of IAS and IPS officers, Hegde informed that he respects the functions of the executive. He said, “The officials who have the responsibility of execution of law and policies should not be influenced by emotional aspects and they should not take things politically. I don’t support those officials who resign from their posts on any grounds.”
