(IPI/IFEX) – In a 10 October 2000 letter to the vice chancellor of the University of Calicut, K.K.N. Kurup, IPI condemned the decision of the University of Calicut to effectively ban the daily newspaper “Malayala Manorama” from the university campus. According to the information provided to IPI, on 5 October, the joint registrar in charge […]
(IPI/IFEX) – In a 10 October 2000 letter to the vice chancellor of the University of Calicut, K.K.N. Kurup, IPI condemned the decision of the University of Calicut to effectively ban the daily newspaper “Malayala Manorama” from the university campus.
According to the information provided to IPI, on 5 October, the joint registrar in charge of the registrar issued Order No. Ad. A4/12176/2000, which cancelled the university’s subscription to the “Malayala Manorama” and directed the university press officer not to send press releases to the newspaper’s offices.
Such a ban will prevent the newspaper from reporting on all activities at the university, including exam results and sports events. A copy of the order was also sent to the security officer and it is believed that the university authorities may try to prevent the newspaper’s reporters and sales agents from distributing the “Malayala Manorama” on the campus.
The reason for the action would appear to lie in a series of recent articles published by the “Malayala Manorama” which expose corruption at the university and highlight alleged misdeeds by Kurup, acting in the capacity of vice chancellor. The text of the order states that “as the Malayala Manorama daily is seen taking an unfavourable attitude in publishing news relating to the University, it has been decided not to subscribe [to] the daily”.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the vice chancellor:
– expressing the belief that the action of the joint registrar in charge of the registrar is an act of censorship and in breach of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states: “Everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”
– noting that the decision is further disturbing in light of the role played by universities, seats of learning which should be open to all types of thought and expression
– further noting that by issuing the order, he is tarnishing the image of learning and undermining freedom of expression
– calling on him to rescind the university’s decision and to ensure the dissemination of the newspaper on the campus; thereby upholding the principles guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:Mr. K.K.N. Kurup
Vice Chancellor
University of Calicut
Calicut University PO Pin 673 635
Kerala, IndiaPlease copy appeals to the source if possible.
