Media Society Nepal (MSN), an umbrella body of private publications and Television Broadcasters Nepal, on Monday demanded not to include any provisions in new constitution that is against the spirit of complete press freedom.

The society also urged the CA chair to make a constitutional provision that bars future governments to formulate any legislation curtailing press freedom. A team of MSN led by its Chairman Kailash Sirohiya handed over a 10-point charter of demands to Chairman of the Constituent Assembly (CA) Subas Nembang.

Although the draft constitution ensures a complete press freedom, the provison indirectly gives room for formulating legal provisions to curtail the freedom.

According to MSN statement, the demands include to ensure that there shall be no hurdles in news collection, its processing and dissemination.

It also has demanded for a provision to have independent Press Council which will have representation from journalists, owners of the media and legal experts.

Expressing concern over the provision that the country will be ‘socialism oriented’, the MSN has demanded to explain it based on our society and political system.