Coronavirus lockdown: Plea moved before Delhi HC seeking Rs 50 lakh insurance cover for journalists

A petition has been moved before the Delhi High Court seeking medical and/or life insurance cover of at least Rupees 50 lakhs for journalists and all other media persons working during the COVID-19 lockdown..The petition also seeks a direction to the Central Government and the Press Council of India to ensure the safety and security of media persons by allowing them to ‘work from home’. .The Petition has been preferred by Advocate Arpit Bhargava. .The Petitioner states that the media was exempted from lockdown announced by the Central Government in order to secure the fundamental right of the citizens. .The Petitioner asserts that it is only through media that government can disseminate information regrading its policies and plan of action and keep the public updated on the COVID-19 pandemic. ...media is called as the fourth pillar of democracy and thus, its welfare cannot be avoided in times of such disaster and even Hon’ble Prime Minister of India thanked the efforts of media persons in his latest reach to citizens of India while declaring country wide lockdown from 25th March 2020- 15th April 2020.Petition.Therefore, just like doctors and healthcare professionals, the welfare, safety and security of media persons also assumes significance in this hour of crisis when cases of Covid 19 are increasing day by day in India, it is stated..Apart from seeking insurance cover for media personnel, the Petitioner also seeks a direction to ensure that there are not salary cuts during the lockdown and some form of social security is provided. .A direction to provide basic sanitation at work place is also sought. .The Petition was mentioned telephonically before the Registrar concerned. .It is likely to be heard after the period of lockdown is over.