'Ensure Safety Of Journalists': Home Ministry Sends Advisory To States

New Delhi: Nearly two months after journalist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her house in Bengaluru, her killers have still not been caught. The unsolved case has now prompted the centre to send an advisory to all states which says safety of all journalists should be their priority.

The advisory says all cases of attacks on journalists should be investigated promptly to ensure that criminals get persecuted in a time bound manner. 

"Fourth Estate is an important institution of the democracy. It ensures that citizens are able to express their opinions freely without any fear and coercion as provided under the Constitution of India. It is the duty of the state to ensure safety and security of the journalists who ensure that the Fourth Estate discharges this key duty," the advisory said.

The Home Ministry also asked all states to ensure freedom of expression is not curbed in any form.

According to the advisory sent to all Director Generals of Police of the states, the ministry highlighted the issue that from time to time, incidents of attacks on journalists were being reported and all such cases need to be investigated promptly "to ensure that criminals get persecuted in a time bound manner".

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"States should also take all preventive and deterrent action as deemed required. States are already empowered to provide security to individuals based on threat perceptions," states the advisory. 

The ministry added that while police and public order are state subjects under the Constitution, in view of its importance, it is drawing the attention of the state governments and Union Territory administrations from time to time towards the need for a robust criminal justice system with emphasis on prevention and control of crime.

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