On 21 October, many of us woke up to the news that the Rajasthan government passed an ordinance in September which requires prior sanction (from the state or central government as applicable) for probes into the activities of public servants and judges in the course of their official functions. The news was reported first on some news channels, and the Press Trust of India followed with a wire copy that was republished by most news organisations.

Also Read: Rajasthan Govt Ordinance Shields Judges, Babus From Being Probed

Unfortunately, just reporting on this news is not sufficient, because the full extent to which this ordinance is problematic is not easily apparent. And if that full extent is not understood, it is possible that the measure will not properly be challenged, or any challenge may be restricted to just the issue of press freedom.