Ensure that woman journalist is not threatened: Markandey Katju tells AMU

Press Council of India (PCI) chairperson Justice Markandey Katju on Monday appealed to students of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to ensure that no threat is given to the woman journalist whose recent reports triggered a controversy.

In a statement, Katju said that the journalist informed him over the phone that a procession had been taken out by some students of AMU in which her effigy was burnt and threatening statements were made and she was asked to immediately leave Aligarh.

"In my opinion threats and intimidation to mediapersons are totally unwarranted and unacceptable in a democracy," Katju said. He said freedom of the press is a guaranteed fundamental right under the Constitution, though, of course, that right has to be exercised in a responsible manner. Katju said that he had spoken to AMU Vice Chancellor in this regard.