PCI seeks response from UP minister Vijay Bahadur Pal for threatening scribes

NEW DELHI: The Press Council of India (PCI) has issued a notice seeking reply from Uttar Pradesh Minister Vijay Bahadur Pal, who reportedly made threats against journalists at a rally in Kanauj yesterday.

Press Council of India (PCI) chairman Justice (retd) Chandramauli Kumar Prasad has also expressed concerns to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

"The Press Council of India has taken suo motu cognisance of the threats reported to have been held out by Vijay Bahadur Pal, minister in the government of Uttar Pradesh, during a party rally in Kanauj yesterday," the PCI said in a statement released here.

While a notice for reply has been issued to the minister, the Chairman also conveyed the concern of the Council to Akhilesh, the statement added.

As per reports, Pal had allegedly threatened journalists of "dire consequences" for giving the state government negative publicity, while addressing the closing ceremony of a cycle rally in Kannauj.