Chicago – June 30, 2024
Congress lawmaker Manickam Tagore has sent a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, asking him to reconsider the rules that limit journalists from covering Parliament. These rules were introduced in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tagore emphasized that these restrictions are affecting how Parliament’s activities are reported to the public. He believes that lifting these restrictions would support a free press and ensure our democracy remains strong and transparent.
Even though Covid-19 safety measures like social distancing are no longer strict, journalists still have limited access to the galleries in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
Tagore pointed out that blocking journalists from Parliament not only interferes with their job but also stops accurate information from reaching the public, which is crucial for our democratic values.
He hopes that by revisiting these rules, Parliament can continue to uphold its role in a democratic nation.
