Lalu backs Justice Katju's press freedom remarks

Bulandshahr, Feb 26 (ANI): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has endorsed the statement of Press Council of India (PCI) chairman Justice Markandey Katju, who had recently stirred a hornet's nest by stating that there was an acute lack of media freedom in Bihar.

"The state government of Bihar has gagged the press and suppressed the voices of mediapersons. Justice Katju's observations are completely true and valid. It is a factually correct finding. He has even setup a commission to look into the matter," said Yadav on Saturday.

"The government of Bihar is trying to humiliate Justice Katju for his expose. We will do anything to ensure the freedom of the press. Justice Katju has done the right thing by bringing out the truth," he added.

After slamming Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan over attacks on journalists in the state, Press Council of India (PCI) chairman Justice Markandey Katju had on Friday targeted the Bihar Government alleging the media in the state was harassed if it wrote against the government.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has, however, declined to comment on Justice Katju's statement that the press did not enjoy freedom in the state and was harassed if they wrote against the government. (ANI)