Kerala puts on hold Police Act Amendment ordinance

Kerala puts  on hold the controversial Kerala Police Amendment ordinance, which had triggered severe criticism of the state’s ruling CPI(M) government and allegations that it was a move aimed at “muzzling media.” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said that the amendment to the Kerala Police Act "will not be implemented". He added: "Detailed discussions will be held in the assembly and further steps will be taken in this regard after hearing the views of all parties."

Vijayan said, ““We have been forced to bring an ordinance in view of serious cyber attacks against women and children. Many suicides and break up took place due to this. In view of concern expressed from various quarters, we have decided not to go ahead with it.” Earlier in the day, Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of the CPI(M), which is in power in Kerala, had disowned the ordinance, remarking that it did not represent his party’s view. On Sunday, amid mounting criticism of the ordinance, chief minister Vijayan had defended it, saying that the ordinance was guided by “growing abuse on social media targeting individuals and their personal freedom.”

“The new amendment will no way be used against impartial journalism. Apprehensions to the contrary are unfounded,” he had said in a statement. “Within the contours of our Constitution and legal framework, everybody has the right to make the strongest criticism. The new amendment will not hamper that freedom in any way,” the statement had noted. The amendment was approved by Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday.