RPM’s Strong Show of Solidarity at Jantar Mantar: Journalists Demand Constitutional Status for Media as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy
New Delhi, Jantar Mantar:
On the occasion of Constitution Day, the Rashtriya Patrakar Mahasangha ( RPM) staged a massive protest and public meeting at Jantar Mantar, demanding that the media be constitutionally recognized as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy through central legislation. A memorandum addressing this demand was submitted to the President and the Prime Minister of India.
RPM National President Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samantaray said that journalists continuously highlight truths and expose incidents occurring in society, often under adverse circumstances. “For the sake of truth, journalists put their lives at risk every day. Despite playing such a crucial role, journalists are deprived of any constitutional rights or protection,” he stated.
He further added that although the government often refers to the media as the Fourth Pillar, there is no legal or constitutional recognition for this vital institution. Journalists striving to uncover the truth also face harassment and pressure from authorities. Hence, providing constitutional status to the media—on par with the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary—is essential to enable journalists to perform their duties with full strength and security.
RPM Delhi-NCR President Virendra Saini criticized the government for gradually withdrawing facilities provided to journalists. He emphasized the need for a Journalist Protection Act, restoration of railway travel concessions, and an immediate legal declaration of media as the Fourth Estate. “These measures are crucial for safeguarding the rights and dignity of journalists,” he asserted.
The protest saw remarkable participation from journalists across the country, including members of the Indian Federation of Small and Medium Newspapers, National Media Confederation, and the UPJA fraternity.
Prominent participants included Ghanshyam Das, Pawan bhoot, Pradeep phulets, Mrs K D Mishra,Baghi, Ajesh Kumar, , Suresh Chaudhary, Priyavrat Nayak, Tahir Ahmad, Santosh Yadav, Ganga Sahu, Bhanu Pratap Nayak & Sheemadri rao, Judhistir bag, Santosh yadu, Anirudha mishra,
Devendra Nath Pandey (Delhi In-charge, BMS), Advocate Matthew Nedumpura (Senior Advocate, Bombay High Court), Advocate Asad Alvi (Senior Advocate, Supreme Court), Vivek Shukla (Senior Columnist), Umakant Pandey (President, Rashtriya Janata Lokdal), and Pradeep Sharma (UPJA General Secretary), Mr Arun goel, IFSMN President, Mr suredra verma, NMC deputy President, Prof Dr Ravi Chatuvedi, Columnist & eminent Cricket Commentator, Jawahar Jairarh, sr journalist & Filmaker were the invited guests who spoke the necessty of making media as fourth estate through central Legislation
And also praised media people a lot
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