'No move to restrict media freedom; investigation necessary for smooth functioning of government'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has said that there has been no move to restrict media freedom. The government was clarifying the situation of the investigation into the reason for the release of a copy of a confidential letter related to the World Bank's allocation of funds for the 'Kera' project.

An investigation is being conducted to find out such a lapse because the action is causing the government to lose credibility in front of a financial institution. This is necessary for the smooth functioning of the government. It is wrong to portray this as imposing restrictions on media freedom.

If there has been a lapse by government officials in relation to the publication of the news, investigating it and trying to find those responsible should not be interpreted as an anti-media move. If there has been a lapse or wrongdoing in the performance of duties, investigating it is a natural course of action. It did not occur as a result of anyone's sentiments or compulsion. The steps taken are legal and in accordance with the rules. The government makes it clear that it does not agree with the media facing challenges and crises in the name of news reporting.