Despite the ruling, the Bill can be approved by Parliament by a two-thirds majority under incongruous constitutional provisions which allow laws contrary to the Constitution to exist. But with a slender parliamentary majority the government was forced to withdraw the Bill. Human rights agencies are appalled by government attempts to gag the media brazenly flouting promises that freedom of expression will be guaranteed.
London-based agency Article 19 earlier this year condemned the government for not only failing to implement many reforms promised as part of its election campaign but also acting increasingly in a manner which directly threatens free expression. Reports say the Cultural Affairs Ministry is proposing to set up bodies to control arts, literature and culture with powers similar to that of the Broadcasting Authority.