From The Hindu · Hiran Unnikrishnan · · 1m 50s
MG University blocks media access, defying minister
Kerala's Higher Education Minister demands withdrawal of an order requiring journalists to seek the Vice-Chancellor's permission before entering Mahatma Gandhi University.
In brief
Kerala's Higher Education Minister demands withdrawal of an order requiring journalists to seek the Vice-Chancellor's permission before entering Mahatma Gandhi University. Mahatma Gandhi University's media access order has triggered a clash with Higher Education Minister Roji M. John, who says it violates press…
University restricts journalist access
Mahatma Gandhi University issued an order requiring journalists to obtain the Vice-Chancellor's prior permission before entering campus to gather university-related news.
Minister calls order undemocratic
Higher Education Minister Roji M. John demanded immediate withdrawal, saying restricting media access to a public institution would undermine transparency and the public's right to know.
Minister invokes constitutional right
In a social media post, Mr. John invoked Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, and warned against curbing media freedom.
“Universities should be spaces for free thought and democratic discourse. Restricting media access to such institutions reflects authoritarian tendencies.”
University denies it is a ban
Vice-Chancellor D. Mavuth told The Hindu there is no ban on media. He called it an administrative arrangement to ensure transparent and secure entry, similar to regulations for other visitors.
“There is no ban on the media, as is being construed. This is an administrative arrangement to ensure transparent and secure entry to the campus.”
University cites disruption concerns
The directive followed instances of television channels entering offices without permission to record visuals and collect reactions on unrelated matters, disrupting academic and examination activities.
University cites official position risk
Vice-Chancellor D. Mavuth said the university feared comments made by individuals on unrelated matters within its premises could be mistaken for its official position.
University unlikely to back down
Varsity sources indicated the order is unlikely to be withdrawn. They said the university is bound by directions of the Governor and its Chancellor, not the Minister.
Order issued amid internal tensions
The Registrar's office issued the order on November thirteen, twenty twenty-six, amid a widening rift between UDF-backed Syndicate members and the Vice-Chancellor, a nominee of the Governor.
The essence
Mahatma Gandhi University's media access order has triggered a clash with Higher Education Minister Roji M. John, who says it violates press freedom and democratic principles.
