File photo of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is arguing in favour of freedom of speech in the Supreme Court after a couple of defamation cases were filed against him. But the Delhi government has apparently decided to take the media to court for news that might damage its reputation.
A recent circular by the Directorate of Information has asked government officials to lodge a complaint if they feel that a news item - print or broadcast - is damaging the reputation of the chief minister, ministers, or the government. The law department will examine the complaint and take legal action if there is sufficient ground, the circular said.
Last week, Mr Kejriwal had accused the media of "conspiring" against the Aam Aadmi Party and called for a "public trial" of media groups to "expose their bias".
But the circular also comes days after Mr Kejriwal's petition to the Supreme Court, which challenges the two sections of the Indian Penal Code under which defamation cases filed, arguing that they curtail freedom of speech, which is a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution.
Mr Kejriwal has asked the court to decriminalize the offence of defamation, which currently carries a two-year jail term.
Today, Mr Kejriwal came under sharp attack by the opposition, with the Congress claiming that he was afraid of the media and the BJP saying he was just trying to create confusion.
"This circular indicates that Kejriwal's government is a bundle of contradictions. His aim is to spread confusion. On one end he himself appeals against the defamation case leveled against him... On other hand his own government takes action against anyone who criticizes the government," said BJP leader Nalin Kohli.
"As soon as he came into power, he barred the media from coming into secretariat. Kejriwal is afraid of the media," said Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee President Ajay Maken. "This whole situation is targetting on the democracy of our country and the freedom of speech of the people."