Now, secys can file defamation cases against media houses

Vijayawada: The state government has delegated departmental secretaries to file defamation cases against media houses, in the event of false reports. The proposal was cleared at the cabinet meeting held in Amaravati on Tuesday.

Minister for information and public relations Perni Venkatramaiah presented the proposal at the cabinet meeting which was approved after a brief discussion.

Hitherto, the powers to sue the media houses have been vested with commissioner of information and public relations. The government felt that secretaries of each departments are the right persons to look into the adverse reports appearing in print, electronic and social media.

The secretaries were also authorised to file defamation cases against the media houses in case of print and electronic media and the persons concerned, in the case of social media.

The cabinet took stock of some politically-motivated adverse reports and social media posts appearing against the government. Some ministers and officials said false and malicious reports were causing damage to the reputation of the government and asserted that such false reports and social media posts must be curtailed.