There was a time political parties would break media offices and bash journalists. But times are a changin’. According to a new law passed by Maharashtra Government, violence against a media person or against premises of a media institution is now a cognizable and non-bailable offence.

Such cases will be required to be investigated by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and will carry a prison term of 3 years and a fine of Rs 50,000. Plus, media persons and media institutions can recover compensation for any medical expenses or physical damage to their movable or immovable property.