Expressing concern over ‘media trial’, the bench pointed to a recent incident in an Air India flight where a woman passenger allegedly urinated on her when a man “said her name”. Media workers should understand that he is still being investigated and should not defame him. Everyone has dignity. Justice Joseph said that TV channels are competing with each other on the basis of TRP of news coverage.
“They sensationalize everything and create division in society because of the visible element. Unlike newspaper, visual media can affect you a lot and unfortunately the audience is not mature enough to see that kind of content.’
Justice Nagaratna said that action can be taken against the management of TV channels if they are found violating the program code by promoting hate speech. We want a free and balanced media in India,” he said.
A lawyer representing the News Broadcasters Association claimed that thousands of complaints have been received in the last one year and action has been taken against the channels. In a program which is telecast live, the bench said the anchor is the key to the fairness of the programme. If the anchor is not fair, dissenting votes are not allowed by silencing the speaker or asking questions from the other side. It is a symbol of prejudice.’
It said, ‘How many times has action been taken against the presenter? Journalists must realize that they are in positions of great power and influence in society. They cannot be part of the problem. Justice Joseph said that if action is taken against the news anchor or his management, everyone will fall in line.
Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, told Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj that freedom of speech and expression is a very important and delicate matter and the government should act without interfering in it. Nataraj said the Center is aware of the problem and is considering amending the Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC) to deal with the menace of hate speech.
