Justice Markandey Katju objects to CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s talk against channels

“It is reported that the Chief Minister of Telangana has, from a public platform, stated that he will break the necks and bury the media 10 kilometres underground, if anybody tries to denigrate or hurt the self respect of Telangana, its Legislative Assembly, or its culture. What kind of language is this?” Mr Katju asked.

However, the PCI chairperson said that he had been informed that the TV channel which allegedly made the derogatory remarks has repeatedly apologised for doing so, on their TV channel, through DTH service as well as in letters to the Speaker of the Telangana Assembly and all Telangana MLAs.

"This statement of a Chief Minister is, in my opinion, highly improper, highly objectionable and totally unacceptable in a democracy, particularly since it is coming from a person holding a high constitutional office," Katju said.

He said that he has been informed that "under the pressure of the Telangana Government, the Cable Operators' Associations (MSO) have suspended the telecast through the cable operators of two TV channels, TV 9 and ABN Andhra Jyothi (although ABN Andhra Jyothi had not even telecast such derogatory remarks, or any other derogatory remarks against Telengana MLAs)".

"I call upon the Chief Minister, Telangana as well as the Cable Operators' Associations to withdraw the suspension orders immediately, so that the said two TV channels may start operating again. Freedom of the media is guaranteed by our Constitution, and cannot be validly suppressed in this manner," he said.

Meanwhile, Editors Guild of India and News Broadcasters Association expressed shock and concern over Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's remarks threatening to

"bury the media 10-km under the earth" if it "insults" his state.

In separate statements both organisations said Rao's remarks and the recent anti-media actions taken by the Telangana government were a direct attack on the freedom of expression.