CHENNAI: The freedom enjoyed in full measure by the print medium should also be extended to the audio-visual media, a two-day workshop, involving Judges, advocates, journalists and civil organisations, has recommended.

At the end of the deliberations, the workshop, organised by the Indian Law Institute and the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre of India, called for redefining the boundaries of sub-judice rule and wanted full protection for freedom of expression with regard to matters pending before court.

Other preliminary recommendations, as proposed by the senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor-General of South India, G. Masilamani, included sufficient physical protection and safeguards for the media from the powers that be, as well as communal and political organisations. It also urged the media to be responsible and avoid incorrect reporting.

Other suggestions related to the constitution of an in-house regulatory mechanism to "control erring media operators" and the media keeping off private affairs of people. It also wanted courts not to punish mediapersons for contempt of court unless it was proved beyond all reasonable doubt. All cases of contempt should be adjudicated by judges other than those who were the subject of criticism.

Earlier, Justice Prabha Sridevan said without freedom of expression, the democratic values as enunciated in the Constitution would not be a reality. Stressing the need for a free Press, she said the judiciary was vigorous and vibrant in matters relating to freedom of expression. At the same time, there must be proper understanding of the circumstances under which judicial officers, especially magistrates, discharged their duties. Like the judiciary, the Press too is responsible for creating a healthy State, since feeding the masses with negative stories would help none.

Justice R. Balasubramanian, in his valedictory address, said truth must be the absolute defence in contempt proceedings. He noted that the media must exercise restraint while reporting violence.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail