Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 4: Speaker Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today took strong exception of the unethical reporting of Assembly proceedings and warned that strict action would be taken against those indulging in such practices in future.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
The Speaker made these remarks while responding to concerns raised by senior BJP legislator Sham Lal Sharma during the second half of the House proceedings.
Sharma alleged that a social media platform had reported minor verbal exchanges between him and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary in an inappropriate manner.
Without naming anyone, the senior BJP legislator also claimed that derogatory language, unsuitable for the House, was used by a journalist associated with the platform.
Reacting to the issue, Speaker Rather said he held the media in high regard as the fourth pillar of democracy for conveying the message of the House to the public.
He said the media in the region was mature and well aware of its duties and responsibilities.
However, the Speaker stressed that Assembly proceedings must be reported faithfully and without distortion.
He said the House had the authority to take action against journalists if proceedings were reported out of context.
Rather added that he had even held pre-Budget consultations with media representatives to sensitise them about their roles. Referring to Sham Lal Sharma’s complaint, the Speaker said that as a senior member of the House, his concern indicated that limits might have been crossed.
He expressed hope that such instances would not be repeated and advised journalists to remain rational and objective in their reporting.
Meanwhile, the Speaker also appealed to both treasury and opposition benches to maintain patience when members from different ideologies speak in the House.
He said simultaneous speaking could disrupt proceedings and urged legislators to wait for their turn to ensure smooth functioning of the Assembly.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
