The Press Council of India [PCI] has suggested Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to stop threatening the journalists over his controversial remarks on two news channels. As we all know, TV9 and ABN Andhra Jyothy channels were banned in the Telangana state for making derogatory remarks on the legislators and publishing false and unclaimed reports. In regards to this issue, journalists protested and agitated during KCR's visit to Warangal last month.

Fumed over the protest,  KCR said, he would break the necks of those who insult Telangana people and also said, they [media] should salute them to survive in the state. These remarks did not go well and PCI has stepped into action and ordered for a probe on this. Three member committee confirmed that KCR's statement and said he has violated Article 19[1][A][E][G] of the Constitution. The Committee also suggested few, here are they:

• withdraw all the cases against journalists who protested or else, fast probe in those cases.

• Stern action should be taken against those police officials for mis-handling women journalists.

• The government must pay compensation to media houses for the damage of electronic gadgets like cameras and mics.

• The government should take necessary action to restore the screening of TV9 and ABN Andhra Jyothy in Telangana.

Lastly, the three member committee waited for Telangana CM, Chief Secretary and DGP of the state appointment however were denied. PCI has approved the committee report and will send it to the central government.

(AW: Vamshi)