Markandey Katju not worried about controversies

Press Council of India Chairman Justice (Retd) Markandey Katju today said he was not worried about controversies over his statements and would act after receiving feedback about the freedom of the press in Bihar.

"If people describe my statement as controversial, let them say it. But I will do what I have to do after receiving the feedback," said Katju who had attacked the Nitish Kumar government yesterday alleging the media in the state was targetted if it wrote against the government.

Reiterating that he would send a fact-finding team to the state, Katju told newsmen "whatever I have said is based on the feedback I received ... I have the feedback that things are not good in Bihar".

"The Constitution provides for freedom of expression and freedom of press ... Any government or institution trying to violate the Constitution cannot be tolerated ... No government is above or below the Constitution," he said.

He claimed the media was harassed, victimised and shown the door for writing against the government which was 'not good'.

He was speaking to reporters after offering prayers at Mahabodhi and Vishnupad temples here on his arrival from Patna.