This refers to the editorial, “Intolerant to criticism” (February 27). Union Minister for Home Affairs Sushil Kumar Shinde recently warned that he would “crush” the electronic media. His remark has received high contempt from the nation and triggered a nationwide debate regarding the libel laws of this country.
We live in an existentialist and liberal democracy and the Constitution has bestowed upon the media the right to expression, but the Government seems uncomfortable with this. The media mirrors society and works as a messenger. If the media wasn't there, all hell would've broken loose and despotic regimes would be trampling democracy.
The UPA Government is terrified of the media because the latter has brought into the limelight the vulnerable aspects of the regime. That is the reason why leaders like Mr Shinde brazenly talk of using the Intelligence Bureau to snoop on the media, even if it is social media. But the Congress's tactics will not work.