----------------------------------------------------------------- Goanetter Francis Rodrigues (Vasco/Toronto) unveils his book, The Greatest Konkani Song Hits. Launch dates: Goa (Kala Academy) on 9 Aug. 4 pm. U.K. (Staines) on 15 Aug. Canada on 20 Aug and US on 30 Aug. Details http://www.konkanisongbook.com/
----------------------------------------------------------------- Open Letter in Public Interest ________________________________ >From Goa: An open letter in defence of Free Speech We view with concern the stand taken by legislators and the Goa assembly speaker against two writers who voiced their opinion through newspaper columns (and which have also been posted and referred to widely in the online world). While we respect the freedom of members of the legislature to express their thoughts and conduct their work in the interest of their electors, it is unfair to block the thoughts of others -- and the freedom of speech -- ironically by resorting to the argument of protecting the legislators' freedom. It may be noted that both the articles which the Speaker and some MLAs took objection to -- as reported widely in the media (see below) -- were opinion pieces, and not news reports. One of the articles objected to has said, "Goan politicians surely have very thick skins. For instance, this assembly session has almost been like a comedy show, and one would have laughed heartily if not for the tragic state of Goa." The dismay widely felt among the citizen over the functioning of politicians in Goa is no secret. The best way for our political class to improve their image would be to better the quality of their functioning and their commitment to the people's concerns, rather than attempt to block free speech or what is perceived as unfriendly criticism. MLAs are quoted in the media as saying that "the press has no right to doubt our integrity" and have objected to being "subjected to criticism for what we are doing in the House". Objection was also taken to comparing the politicians to tiatrists -- dramatists on Goa's popular drama stage. Politicians facing allegations of corruption have responded by accusing writers in the media of "questioning the assembly", "misquoting", "doubt(ing) our integrity" and "subjecting to criticism (the MLAS for what we are doing in the House". There has often been serious challenge in independent India to the whole concept and existence of legislative priviledges and the power of Parliament and individual state legislatures to punish individuals (including journalists) for breach of priviledge or contempt of the House. The abuse of such powers have lead to calls for the abolition of such laws in a post-colonial Independent country. Interestingly, the whole rationale for the evolution of parliamentary privileges was the protection of democracy against the King, when British democracy was in its infancy. The privileges were thus designed to provide legislators with a shield against prosecution by the monarch, and to give them the liberty to criticise him. It is clear that many recent privilege motions across India have been used for the absolute reverse -- the shielding of the democratic process from the people, and the silencing of the people in their criticism of representatives elected by the people. As the law stands, legislatures have powers of admonition, reprimand, imprisonment and exlusion. But when such laws are used -- or threatened to be used -- in an anti-people and anti-free speech manner, the actions have only further diminished the esteem of some legislatures in India. We hope that the Goa legislature will act in its wisdom to preserve and promote free speech. We call upon the media to link up with the citizens to question unfair laws, whatever these may be. We urge all politicians to respect and support the rights of citizens to voice their opinion over all matters -- specially those related to the crucial issue of corruption and freedom of speech. References: Peter Fernandes' article dated August 3/09 in the Herald, Goa http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=25430&cid=14 Samir Kelekar's article dated August 4/09 in the Herald, Goa http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=25448&cid=14 Samir Kelekar's write-up draws attention of MLAs, Speaker in Goa Assembly http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2009-August/181186.html Watch out, Goa speaker warns media http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/watch-out-goa-speaker-warns-media_100227515.html Media cautioned in House over objectionable references to MLAs http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=25491&cid=26 Write-ups in local daily draw ire from assembly Speaker http://www.navhindtimes.in/news/goa-news/1658-write-ups-in-local-daily-draw-ire-from-assembly-speaker- Constitution of India http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/welcome.html August 6, 2009 http://www.goanet.org
