S Balasubramanian was one of the champions of the fourth estate: Lakshmipathy Adimoolam
Veteran journalist and media baron was one of the champions of the fourth estate
S Balasubramanian, editor of Ananda Vikatan, passed away on Friday. He was one of the champions of the fourth estate and fought for the rights of the press.
In 1987, the government of Tamil Nadu arrested him and lodged in jail for a couple of days for a privilege motion against him as he refused to tender an apology for a cartoon on legislators in the cover of the Magazine Ananda Vikatan. He fought for the rights of the press and made a protest against the refusal of opportunity to offer his explanation. Later he was released on public protests.
Against his petition for wrongful arrest, the Madras High Court awarded compensation of Rs.1000/- by the Government of Tamil Nadu, which is historical in itself.
After encashing the cheque issued by Govt of Tamil Nadu, he published it in Ananda Vikatan and framed a copy of it as a momento as a victory of the press.
He will long be remembered by the Press for re-establishing its rights in democracy.
- The writer is Director of Dinamalar Group.
