Mangalore: Justice Markandeya Katju, President of the Press Council of India(PCI) and former Supreme Court Judge  has issued a stern warning to the Karnataka Government against attempts made to curb Freedom of Press as well as fundamental rights of scribes.

Speaking to reporters at Circuit House in Mangalore on December 3, Monday, he said  the Council would not hesitate to initiate stern action in cases of violation of Freedom of Press by the  authorities. He said  the Press Council would take serious note of the harassment of scribes in the region by the cops and goonda elements and said there was no question of tolerating incidences of violation of Freedom of Press.

It is the duty of the state to uphold the Freedom of Press which is a fundamental right under the Constitution, Katju said.

On this occasion, a group of mediamen from Mangalore submitted a memorandum to the Press Council Chairman  relating to the arrest of Naveen Soorinje, reporter of Kasturi channel. However, responding to the same, Katju said he would not comment on the issue as the matter was before the court.