New Delhi, July 30: Journalists representing print media and news channels on Monday staged a protest against the restrictions imposed on their movement within the new Parliament building’s inner precincts. They demanded immediate lifting of these restrictions.
Accredited reporters covering parliamentary proceedings were moved to stand in front of “Makar Dwar,” where they previously interacted freely with lawmakers. The Press Club of India shared details of the protest on X.
The restrictions date back to the Covid-19 pandemic, during which senior journalists who had covered both chambers of Parliament for years were barred from covering proceedings. Despite the pandemic receding, these restrictions have not been lifted. Journalist organizations have repeatedly petitioned parliamentary officials, arguing that selective access is arbitrary and unacceptable.
Various media organizations and opposition parties have regularly submitted memoranda to the authorities, urging the government to lift these restrictions. Despite these efforts, there has been no change. Protests have also taken place in front of Parliament House and at the Press Club of India.
For the past four years, the Press Club of India has consistently protested against what they view as an arbitrary restriction on senior accredited journalists who have covered Parliament for decades. They argue that these restrictions hinder democratic exchange, limit public discourse, and undermine the transparency and accountability of the parliamentary system. Gautam Lahiri, senior journalist and president of the Press Club of India, stated, “Whatever the format, this is the first time that journalists are protesting in front of the House in an orderly way, upholding the legislative etiquette that is sorely missing these days.”
