Mr. K.K.N. Kurup
Vice Chancellor
University of Calicut
Kerala
India

10 October 2000

Dear Sir,

The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of journalists and media executives, condemns 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, the Joint Registrar in Charge of the Registrar made an order on 5 October, 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 yourself, acting in the capacity as 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”.

In the belief of IPI, 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”.

Furthermore, IPI finds the decision disturbing in light of the role played by universities. In the opinion of IPI, a university is a seat of learning which should be open to all types of thought and expression; by issuing the order you are tarnishing the image of learning and undermining freedom of expression.

In view of this, IPI calls on you to rescind the decision of the University and to ensure the dissemination of the newspaper on the campus; thereby upholding the principles guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

We thank you for your attention.

Best regards,

Johann P. Fritz
Director