Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal on Sunday said that in a parliamentary democracy, the media had assumed the role of being principal communication link between the Parliament and the people. Atwal, former Deputy Speaker of the lok Sabha, was participating in the deliberations in Parliament and the Media Conference on the subject “Relationship Between Parliament and the Media” held at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
He said that the Press played a significant role in the dissemination of the information. “The purpose of the Press is to advance the public interest by publishing facts and opinions without which democratic electorate could not make responsible judgments. Freedom of the Press is the heart of social and political intercourse,” he said. Atwal said that the people had a right to be informed of the developments that took place in a democratic process and the press played a vital role in disseminating this information.
“Press also provide the background needed to bring the Parliament’s work according to the demands of time. It conveyed to the people the business transacted in the Parliament, thereby enhancing the public perception of the Parliament. Because of that role played by the Media, it was regarded as the Fourth Estate,” he added. Media also convey to the people regarding the role played by the Parliamentarians and the legislators; the work relating to the legislation, financial business and other matters done in the legislative Bodies, he said. Atwal also cautioned that freedom of press must be exercised with circumspection and care must be taken not to trench on the rights of other citizens or to jeopardize public interest.