December 11, 2015
Special Mention by SS Ray regarding harassment of senior journalist in Delhi
Demand for setting up inquiry into blatant misuse of ‘protection’ power by police causing harassment to senior journalist in Delhi
Sir, in the name of protection, police has been found harassing a senior journalist of an Urdu daily. This is not the first time. Many incidents of harassment of media-persons by police officials have come to light.
The blatant misuse of power by police officials, as seen in the case of Mr Haque and many others, speaks loudly on the threat to the freedom of the Press to function in the country.
The following series of events need to be examined in the light of the incident: It was 1.00 a.m. in the night in the month of December. Mr. Haque, aged 81, who is the Chief Editor of an Urdu daily, is paid a visit by the Police Department without a written authority letter. The SHO at Shakarpur, Delhi, calls him and summons him to the Police Station ostensibly for his protection. On reaching the Police Station, he is treated disrespectfully. The incident, in plain first hearing, does not have any room for misinterpretation.
For a country, which boasts of its diversity and respect for views, opinions and a free Press, acts of harassment like these are a matter of shame and disrespect. I believe that this House will condemn the high-handed actions of the officer and seek the Government to not only make an inquiry but also keep a strict vigilance on any such incidents reported.
