A STRONG resolution calling for the widest freedom of the Press in India was submitted by Mr. Tushar Kanti Ghosh of the Amrita Bazar Patrika representing the Indian delegation at the Imperial Press Conference in London on Tuesday [June 11], reports Reuter. “It is absolutely true that we hardly enjoy any freedom of the Press in India during any crisis in our country,” declared Mr. Ghosh. “If there is war or a nationalist movement, all freedom of the Press is taken away by our Government.”

Mr. Ghosh added that he appreciated the imposition of censorship during war time for security reasons, but that he could not understand why news and views that had nothing to do with war should be suppressed. An appeal for a more direct system of communication carrying news throughout the Empire and for a better postal system in India was made by Mr. A. Hayles of the Madras Mail. Mr. Hayles said that India also lacked direct transmission beams from the Dominions. “Why should news from Australia have to go to London before going to India,” he asked. “These facilities must be made available… .”

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2021