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25 Jul 2018 11:00am

Media does not need guidelines, only self-regulation is needed, says CJI Dipak Misra

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Freedom of press is the “mother of all liberties” in a democratic society and the media should have its own guidelines for self-regulation, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said on Tuesday.

The CJI was delivering the presidential address at an event organised by the International Law Association (ILA), where renowned jurist N R Madhava Menon delivered a lecture on “Courts, Media and Fair Trial Guarantee”.

During his prudential address, Justice Misra talked about the contribution made by media in ensuring that the majesty of law is upheld. He then said,

The freedom of speech performs a pivotal role in the generation of public opinion on matters of national significance encompassing the social, political and economic affairs dominating a country. Freedom of speech is crucial for the creation of an informed citizenry.”

However, considering the “mammoth task” the media has at hand in dispersing information to the public, Justice Misra also underlined the significance of responsible reporting.

 “Media has a responsibility of maintaining objectivity while reporting especially in cases which can stir the emotions of the public. Paramount consideration should be given to the ethics and professional morality”, Justice Misra said.

He further opined that media should avoid sensationalising news for garnering higher TRPs and readership, as it goes against the constitutional values of free and fair trial.

In recent times, in order to sensationalise the reporting and to increase its commercial value, the media starts naming and blaming the suspect or accused. The sub-judice doctrine has to be respected. The culture of pre-judging by the formation of opinion should be avoided.”

Justice Misra then talked about the recent surge in the incidents of mob-violence and lynching, and how blatant reliance on media needs to be checked by the citizens to avoid such unfortunate incidents.

There is a recent surge in mob lynching, please don’t misunderstand me because I have authored the judgement, there is a recent surge in mob lynching based on the viral text on the social media and this leads to mobocracy and loss of life, in certain cases. The blatant reliance on social media needs to be checked by the citizens themselves; to ensure peace and order in the society.”

Justice Misra ended his presidential address saying,

I am of the firm belief that there should be no guidelines (for the media). Let them frame their own guidelines and be guided by that. Nothing can serve better than individual or collective guidelines of the press. There should not be any imposition, but there should be some kind of self-restriction.”

 


Tagged: CJI Dipak Misra Media Guidelines for Self Regulation Fair Trial Mob Lynchings
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