The Hindu : Shocking beyond belief: Bar

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Shocking beyond belief: Bar

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI Nov. 11. The Madras Bar Association president, R. Gandhi, has said the Bar is shocked beyond belief at the conviction and warrants issued against the Publisher, the Editor, the Executive Editor and senior correspondents of The Hindu and the Editor of Murasoli.

"It is unfortunate that there is no codified privilege as contemplated in the Constitution even today" and a transient provision and rules had been used.

In a statement, Mr. Gandhi said the attempt to break the backbone of the Press was an undemocratic act. The adage adi alterem partem (nothing shall be done without hearing) was significantly violated. Many acts were being perpetrated under Article 194 (3), without codifying the so-called privileges. In the absence of a codification and the conduct rules, the Privileges Committee had no moral sanction to prosecute and/or punish anyone for "breach of privilege".

When all attempts to throttle the Press through different means failed, the present action was taken to please the powers that be, who were intolerant of any just criticism, Mr. Gandhi said.

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