THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of strong opposition from the media, civil society and the opposition, the Kerala government has decided to backtrack from implementing the newly added section of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, that would muzzle all types of free speech and opinion through any medium.
“The amendment has invited opinions from various corners. All including those who are backing the Leftist Democratic Fund and those who are standing for democratic values expressed concern about the new amendment. Under these circumstances, the government does not intend to implement the amendment. A detailed discussion will be held in the assembly for seeking opinion from all and only then further steps will be taken,” the chief minister said in a statement. The CPM central leadership also had asked the government to withdraw from implementing the amendment.
The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) had demanded the LDF Government to withdraw the draconian Ordinance as it was against the declared policies of the Communist and Left and Democratic Parties ruling the State. The IJU hailed the decision of the Kerala government not to implement the Act.