Chennai, Nov 16: Tamil Nadu unit of Janata Dal (United) today sought a suitable amendment to the constitution to insulate the press from being hauled up for commenting on the functioning of state legislative assemblies and Parliament. The JD(U) has resolved "to request the Centre, especially the NDA leadership, to bring out a constitutional amendment giving guarantees to press liberty and make clear that commenting on state assemblies and parliament is not an intervention or intrusion over their rights", state JD(U) president K Rajasekharan told reporters here.

Briefing newsmen on the outcome of a meeting of the party's state office bearers, he said that Prime Minister A B Vajpayee was keen to ensure complete press freedom. He condemned the November 07 order of Tamil Nadu Assembly awarding 15 days simple imprisonment to the Editor, Executive Editor, Publisher, Chief of Bureau and the special correspondent of 'The Hindu', and editor of Tamil daily 'Murasoli' in a breach of privilege issue.

Earlier, the meeting endorsed the party leadership's decision on merger of Samata Party with the JD(U).

Bureau Report