PIL BEFORE BOMBAY HC SEEKING DIRECTION TO CATEGORISE JOURNALISTS AS FRONT LINE WORKERS

A recent PIL sought direction from the Maharashtra Government to categorise journalists and the media industry as front line workers.

The plea has been moved by Journalist's Union Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh before the Bombay HC. They contended that twelve states of the country have already declared Journalists and other media personnel as essential or front line workers. The Maharashtra government has not included journalists in the list; therefore, the Sangh was compelled to move to the HC.

During Covid 19, the state government imposed section 144 of CrPC throughout the state, which caused severe hardships to the Journalists in performing their duties. Even after facing such hindrances, they are still not categorised within the category. The Petition further said that the authentic information reached the people of India through the media, and hence journalists play is of paramount significance.

Moreover, in a city like Mumbai, most journalists and staff from the media industry rely on local trains, which are currently allowed to be used by those engaged in essential workers. 

The PIL also sought directions to allow journalists to use Mumbai local trains.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal