Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Oct 12: Former Lokayukta Justice Santhosh Hegde said, "The government should respect the freedom of media as I strongly oppose the government’s decision over restricting media inside the assembly.”

Addressing media after attending a programme at TMA Pai Hall, Santhosh Hegde said, "Media is considered as the fourth pillar of democracy and plays a very important role. The government has taken a wrong move to restrict national and regional media inside the assembly except Doordarshan channel.”

When asked about IT and ED raids, Santhosh Hegde said, "Such raids are not politically motivated as they are doing their duty of investigating. Government agencies are doing their duty. Stringent action needs to be taken against those who involve in illegal activities. I completely disagree with the allegations that these raids are politically motivated. Now those who are opposing the move of IT and ED, will do the same when they come to power.”

When asked about resignation of IAS and IPS officers, Hegde said, "The officials should not be influenced by emotional aspects. I do not support those officials who resign from their posts.”