The amendment to the Kerala Police Act "will in no way be used against free speech or impartial journalism", Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sunday, while defending an ordinance that the opposition alleges could be used to muzzle a free press and target critics of the government. Mr Vijayan stressed that while the state had a duty to protect individuals' liberty and dignity, no action would be taken against the media or those who criticise the government "within the limits of the Constitution".