Shimla, April 11
The HP High Court has directed the Govt of Himachal Pradesh to review and revise the accreditation granted to different categories of journalists strictly in accordance with the Rules of 2016 as amended from time to time and thereafter, grant fresh accreditation accordingly. These orders were passed by Justice Trilok Singh Chauhan, Judge of HP High Court on Thursday on hearing a petition filed by Vijay Gupta of Paonta Sahib.
The petitioner’s legal counsel Ashok Kumar Thakur contended that the petitioner was aggrieved by the suspension of his accreditation as a journalist. The petitioner prayed before the Court for substantive reliefs i.e. to direct the Government and others issuing directions to quash and set-aside the order passed by the State Level Accreditation Committee on 2nd August, 2014, and direct the respondents to renew the accreditation of the petitioner immediately, which is pending since December, 2012, directing the respondents to start allocation
publication of government related notices, tenders, classified advertisements in the news weekly of the petitioner, as is being given to other news agencies or dailies etc, and further urged that the respondents may be issued a direction not to cancel the accreditation of the petitioner.
The High Court disposing off the instant petition has directed the respondents that the amendment be carried out in Rules 2016 making a time bound provision for granting/ refusing accreditation and in case of rejection a provision be made making it mandatory for recording reasons for such rejection.
The High Court order has further directed the respondents to ensure that only one journalist from one
publication/newspaper be granted accreditation at the State or District levels in accordance with the rules.
After hearing the plea, the High Court the instant petition is disposed of on the
aforesaid terms, so also the pending application(s), if any. The Court further directed the respondents to do the needful within three months. The case has been for compliance on 9 July next.
Empower Independent Journalism – Join Us Today!
Dear Reader,
We’re committed to unbiased, in-depth journalism that uncovers truth and gives voice to the unheard. To sustain our mission, we need your help. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our research, reporting, and impact.
Stand with us in preserving independent journalism’s integrity and transparency. Support free press, diverse perspectives, and informed democracy.
Click [here] to join and be part of this vital endeavor.
Thank you for valuing independent journalism.
Warmly,
Vishal Sarin, Editor
