THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With some of the ministers opposing the introduction of the media regulation amendment bill, the cabinet meeting on Wednesday set aside the draft of the bill without considering it. The Bill intends to amend Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and introduce a new Section 292 (A). The CPI ministers emphasised that introducing police control over the media may spark a national debate and the bill can be considered after a detailed study. The draft bill was postponed again after some CPM ministers too raised the same opinion.

The IPC amendment makes it an offence to print, prepare for printing, display or distribute for public view any blackmailing or insulting content or picture in newspapers, periodicals, circulars and other media of communication. Amendment of Section 292 also requires amendment in CrPC. A draft of these two combined came up for the consideration of the cabinet yesterday. The law department pointed out that this was a bill published for presentation in the Legislative Assembly during the first Pinarayi government. It became invalid then due to the expiration of the term of the assembly.

The CPI ministers pointed out in the meeting that if such an amendment is introduced, it may be misused by the police. They also said that the interpretation that the media is being restricted will lead to nationwide protests. Other ministers clarified that the bill should be introduced cautiously so that there is no loophole for any objections. Following this, the Chief Minister directed that the draft bill can be considered after a detailed inspection.