Jacob Thomas | Photo: Arun Krishnankutty | Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: Retired IPS officer Dr Jacob Thomas has ridiculed the chief minister's explanation to the amendment made to the Kerala Police Act.
The chief minister had urged the public to take the amendment in a positive way. To this, Jacob Thomas reacted through a Facebook post saying he would take it in positive sense as the Crime Branch registered FIR and is conducting investigation against him for writing a book.
A case was registered by the Crime Branch against Jacob Thomas after he penned his autobiography 'Sravukalkoppam Neenthumbol' in 2019. According to the case, he did not seek permission of higher authorities before writing the book and also disclosed some official secrets through the book.
The chief minister had told the public to take the new amendment to the law in a positive sense after allegations arose that it affects the freedom of the press. He made it clear that the amendment will not be misused for hindering the freedom of speech. DGP Loknath Behera also said that regulations will be made to ensure the new law is not misused.
The freedom of an individual should not be violated in the name of media freedom and vice versa. The government is accountable to make sure that both freedoms go hand in hand. There are regulations being made at the international level in order to counter attacks on personal liberty. The regulation in Police Act amendment is also similar to this, CM’s statement said.
Dignity and respect for an individual is part of an evolved society. The constitution provides protection to a person’s dignity. Hence, it is the responsibility of the government to make sure that this is followed properly. The amendment contains rules that adhere to the sections of the Constitution that protect media and individual freedom.
The amendment is being implemented in the context of women and transgenders being targeted on social media. The Chief Minister also stated that the government will consider all suggestions and constructive opinions raised in connection with the amendment.
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