A Central Crime Branch team reached a private hospital in the city to place editor of Hai Bangalore Ravi Belagare under arrest. However, Mr. Belegere has decided to fight legally against the Karnataka Legislative Assembly's order to imprison him for ayear with a fine of Rs.10,000.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Belagare said that he was not bothered about the arrest and would continue his work. "I am not bothered about the arrest and am ready to face any consequence while working as a journalist. It is part of my job," said Mr. Belagare.
The editor of Hai Karnataka had come to his farmhouse in Joida taluk of Uttara Kannada district the previous evening and went to hospital in Dharwad as he was feeling uneasy. "I had some uneasiness and chest pain at the time," said Mr. Belagare.
On Saturday morning he was admitted to SDM hospital in Dharwad and is currently under medical observation.
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly had passed an order to imprison editors of two Kannada tabloids for a year with a fine of Rs. 10,000 for breach of privilege, a move which sparked widespread criticism.
While there have been instances of admonition for breach of privilege, this is the first time that imprisonment has been pronounced and approved by the Speaker of the House.
Editors Guild of India express its strong disapproval
The Editors Guild of India expressed its strong disapproval of the decision of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The Guild in a statement said, "the decision violates the Fundamental Right of Freedom of Speech guaranteed under the Indian Constitution and the Freedom of the Press. It is also a gross misuse of the powers and privileges of a state legislature. The Guild urges the Karnataka Assembly to withdraw its resolution without delay..."
"The Editors Guild of India is of the firm view that journalists must have the freedom to write critical articles against all such elected representatives of the country and hold them accountable to their actions without fear or favour..."
