Himachal Govt withdraws cases against 10 media persons booked during COVID by BJP
At a time of major crackdown on journalists and media houses who are being booked under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act here is good news for them.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today announced to withdrawal of ten cases booked against media persons while performing their duties in tough and hard times of the COVID emergency in Himachal Pradesh. According to Police Headquarters data around 10 media persons booked during COVID-19 and under different sections of IPC are being discharged before the trial.
According to police records, there are 2280 cases pending under various Police stations in 13 police districts. 18 cases included unlawful assembly or crowd norm violation and tens are related to journalists.
A Zee News media person also discharged by the Himachal Pradesh High court who was booked under Baddi police station also lost their job during COVID-19 as an FIR registered against him was quashed by the court.
During previous BJP rules large numbers of media persons were booked in many districts however former government did not discharge many of them.
The decision was taken by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the high-level meeting being held here today which was attended by Deputy Commissioners and Police Chief of all district.
It is worthwhile to mention that after taking over charge of the new government Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s dispensation moved in Himachal Pradesh High Court to quash all the cases registered against Congress and other opposition leaders and by party cadre during agitation and similar other cases of political vendetta.
The matter is under consideration by HC. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also assured the Himachal Pradesh Assembly in response to a query that matter of withdrawal of Covid cases is being decided by the government soon. Which the Government announced today.
