TCEMA Press Conference in Hyderabad Highlights Constitutional Concerns Over New Media Rules6/2/2026 
Hyderabad: The Twin Cities Electronic Media Association (TCEMA) held a detailed and principled press conference in Hyderabad, expressing serious constitutional, legal, and operational concerns over the Telangana Government’s Memo No. 009634/MR/2025, issued by the Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Department, which directs strict action against the use of press, media, and advocates’ identifiers on vehicles.
The press conference was led by TCEMA President Shaik Rahmath Ali, in the presence of Chief Patron R. K. Azad, Vice President Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair, senior members Syed Habeeb Pasha, M. A. Mujeeb, Syed Tajuddin, and other TCEMA members. The event was supported by Crime Today News as the official Media Partner. Concerns Over Blanket Application of the Memo Addressing the gathering, President Shaik Rahmath Ali stated that while TCEMA fully supports action against impersonation and misuse of official symbols, the blanket application of the memo to web-based, digital, freelance, and social media journalists is unjustified, unlawful, and unconstitutional. He emphasized that the memo, if enforced against bona fide journalists, would directly violate Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, including journalistic activity. Citing landmark Supreme Court judgments such as Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras (1950) and Express Newspapers v. Union of India (1958), he noted that press freedom is foundational to democracy and cannot be curtailed through vague or arbitrary executive instructions. Accreditation Is Not a Precondition for Journalism Chief Patron R. K. Azad highlighted that journalistic accreditation is not mandatory under any law for identifying oneself as a journalist. He clarified that neither the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, nor the Press Council of India Act, 1978, nor any Telangana government notification requires digital or freelance journalists to possess accreditation to perform bona fide reporting. He further stated that the display of “Press” or “Media” on vehicles (other than registration plates) is not prohibited under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, or the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Any attempt to enforce the memo under the Motor Vehicles Act would therefore be ultra vires, lacking statutory authority. Digital Journalism Has Full Constitutional Protection Vice President Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair, along with Syed Habeeb Pasha, M. A. Mujeeb, and Syed Tajuddin, stressed that digital and online journalism enjoys the same constitutional protection as traditional media. Referring to Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), speakers noted that the Supreme Court categorically held that digital expression is fully protected under Article 19(1)(a) and that vague or overbroad restrictions that create a chilling effect are unconstitutional. They warned that indiscriminate enforcement of the memo could discourage independent and investigative journalism, especially by freelance and digital reporters who play a crucial role in public-interest reporting and real-time news dissemination. Operational Reality and Risk to Journalists TCEMA members pointed out that journalists use press identifiers on vehicles solely for practical identification during emergencies, public events, disasters, and sensitive reporting assignments. Such identification is non-intrusive, transparent, and does not involve misuse of registration plates or official emblems. Strict enforcement of the memo, they cautioned, would hamper reporting, expose journalists to unnecessary harassment, and reduce media plurality, without effectively addressing the problem of impersonation. Lack of Consultation and Violation of Natural Justice Speakers also criticized the absence of stakeholder consultation before issuing the directive. TCEMA stated that issuing such a memo without engaging digital and web-based media organizations violates principles of natural justice, particularly when fundamental rights are at stake. TCEMA’s Appeal to the Government On behalf of web-based, digital, and social media journalists, TCEMA placed the following demands before the government:
A Call to Protect Democratic Values Concluding the press conference, TCEMA reaffirmed its commitment to responsible and ethical journalism, while strongly asserting that executive overreach cannot override constitutional guarantees. “A free press is not a concession by the state; it is a constitutional right,” the association stated, calling upon all democratic institutions to save the Constitution, save democracy, and save the nation.
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