- Midnight Arrests Spark Concern
- Press Freedom Under Threat
- Rule of Law Questioned
Article Today, Hyderabad:
Former Chief Justice of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh High Court, Justice Eshwarayya, strongly condemned the arrest of NTV journalists, terming the action authoritarian and deeply disturbing. He said such arrests strike at the core of democratic values guaranteed by the Constitution.
Objection to Police Action
Justice Eshwarayya expressed serious concern over police entering journalists’ homes at midnight during a festive period. He said breaking doors and taking reporters into custody without prior notice reflected a disregard for legal procedure. According to him, law enforcement agencies must act within constitutional limits at all times.
Violation of Due Process
He underlined that no arrests should be made without following due process of law. The absence of notices and the alleged failure to adhere to statutory safeguards, he said, indicated an arbitrary exercise of power. Therefore, such actions weaken public trust in institutions meant to uphold justice.
Threat to Media Freedom
Justice Eshwarayya observed that journalists are neither criminals nor extremists. Treating them as such, he warned, creates an atmosphere of fear within the media fraternity. In addition, he noted that these actions could discourage independent reporting, which is essential for a functioning democracy.
Impact on Families
Highlighting the human cost, he said the arrests had caused severe mental distress to the journalists’ families. Meanwhile, he pointed out that democratic governments must remain sensitive to the social and emotional consequences of coercive actions, especially when fundamental rights are involved.
Call For Immediate Release
Justice Eshwarayya demanded the immediate release of the arrested journalists. He urged the government to respect the freedom of the press as guaranteed by the Constitution and to ensure that all actions are guided strictly by the rule of law.
Appeal to Democratic Principles
Concluding his remarks, he reminded the authorities that all citizens are equal before the law. He called upon the government to act responsibly, uphold democratic norms, and ensure that constitutional freedoms are protected without exception.
