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This is an untenable and, in our view, unconstitutional interpretation of the scope of the privileges.

Media persons from various organisations staging a demonstration against the Tamil Nadu Assembly's action on journalists outside the Tamil Nadu House in the Capital on Monday. — Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi , Nov. 10

EVEN as the Supreme Court issued a stay against the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker's orders to arrest senior six journalists of The Hindu and Murasoli, media persons here staged a protest against the Assembly resolution and submitted a memorandum to the State Governor through the Resident Commissioner.

The memorandum signed by the President of the Press Club of India, Mr Prakash Patra, the President of the Indian Journalist Union, Mr Suresh Akhouri, the Indian Women's Press Corps' President, Ms Aarti Jerath, and the Editors Guild of India Secretary-General, Mr Alok Mehta, sought repeal of the Assembly's order to jail the journalists for 15 days for breach of privilege.

"The Tamil Nadu Assembly has arrogated to itself extraordinary powers to punish journalists for criticising members of the Assembly. This is an untenable and, in our view, unconstitutional interpretation of the scope of the privileges. This amounts to abuse of privilege," the memorandum said.

"Through you, we call on the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly to reconsider and rescind its unfortunate resolution of November 7, 2003," the memorandum further added.

It also noted that it is essential to codify the privileges of the Members of the Legislative Assemblies and Parliament.

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