What I find missing is the definition of 'abetment'. The bill must contain a provision that abetment will be considered an abetment only when the person concerned has not only the knowledge but has willingly participated in the activity. But I have no doubt that when the courts are interpreting, they will insist upon it.
Journalists fear that the words 'harbour' or 'conceal' may militate against the right to secrecy of sources.
There seems to be confusion between disclosing a source of information and being a source. When the reporter is a witness, he can't be forced by the Press Council to disclose information. But if justice can't be done otherwise, he is bound to give evidence in the court—on what he has seen and not what others have told him.
Reporters often communicate with criminals. Will this now attract prosecution?
Only if the communication is done with a view to assist in the committing of the crime. The definition needs to be interpreted accordingly. The mere interviewing of a gang member is no crime. If a reporter gives counter stories to the police version, or inter-gang feuds, he is passing on new information to the police who are investigating the case.
The press has interviewed Dawood, Chota Shakeel, Dara Singh. Will the publication of the interviews be a crime?
I don't see any prohibition in the press publishing stories. The reporter is entitled to interview anybody, even a criminal or a person in custody. That does not make the reporter an associate of the criminal.
Section 14 of the Bill allows the police to tap phones.
Interception is permitted even by the Supreme Court under circumstances when there is a need to investigate a crime and collect information.
Do you feel it could be misused?
Any good piece of legislation can be misused. But this can be challenged in court.
The Press Council issued guidelines not to glorify crime. But the Bill may be used by the police to restrain the media probes.
Our guidelines are for press ethics. The police will act according to the law. They can't interfere with the press.
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