Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday lifted restrictions on journalists carrying mobile phones inside the press gallery. The decision came after reporters covering the House proceedings staged a protest and boycotted the session.

The announcement was made by Youth Affairs Minister Suryabanshi Suraj following a crucial meeting between Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and the agitating journalists.

Journalists from various media organizations gathered near the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the Assembly premises, demanding the withdrawal of the restriction, which they termed as an infringement on press freedom.

After deliberations, the Speaker agreed to revoke the ban, allowing journalists to carry mobile phones while covering the proceedings. The protest was called off following the announcement.

The restriction on mobile phones had sparked widespread criticism from media professionals, who argued that such a move hampered real-time reporting and transparency. With the rollback of the ban, journalists have welcomed the decision, emphasizing the need for unrestricted access to report on legislative matters.