Misuse of power: Editors on K'taka Assembly sentencing scribes

The Editors Guild of India on Sunday said the Karnataka assembly's decision to sentence two journalists to prison is a "gross misuse" of power and "violates" the fundamental right of freedom of speech. Two journalists were recently sentenced to a year in jail and a fine of Rs 10,000 each by the Assembly.

They were accused of writing "defamatory" articles about the Speaker and a few members of the legislature, including a member of the House Privileges Committee, that had recommended the punishment, the Guild said.

"The Guild opines that the decision violates the fundamental right of freedom of speech guaranteed under the Indian Constitution and the freedom of the press," it said in a statement.

Stating that it is a "gross misuse of the powers and privileges of a state legislature", the Guild urged the Assembly to withdraw its resolution "without delay".