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By Nebil Nizar
The late but apt move of the Kerala Judicial Officers Association in taking up the cause of Judges, who cannot defend themselves before the general public, is highly appreciated.
The resolution passed by the association, in the
backdrop of allegations against a serving Judicial officer, says that using
derogatory language to condemn the official actions of a judicial officer is an
attack on the institution of the judiciary and interferes with the
administration of justice.
As a tolerant, free, and democratic society, every individual has the right to criticism and dissent. In numerous decisions, the Supreme Court of India has made it clear that, while judgements may be criticised, judges cannot be. With this in mind, the alleged procedural irregularity on the part of the Chief Judicial Magistrate may be criticised, but he cannot be bashed personally. Here, the media went to the extent of questioning his integrity and some sections of the media, accustomed to calling His Honour by his first name, went to the extent of alleging collusion with the chief of government.
The High Court of Kerala, as the protector and guardian of the Subordinate Courts, by powers conferred under Art. 235 of the Constitution of India, must monitor the situation and if the media continues to tarnish the image of the Subordinate Judiciary, contempt proceedings must be initiated.
Today, a multi-crore rupee scam involving the higher-ups in the political and permanent executive has been reduced by the media into a sex scandal alone. Truly, the media has lost its direction.
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well said...The media just care about there TRP rating so they go to any extend which may even be a voilation.
ReplyDeleteDear Saud,
DeleteThanks a lot for the read.
I agree with you. Media is a business, agreed. But, management and editors must keep in mind that they are playing with 'ideas'. Media should strike a balance between 'public interest' and 'what public is interested in'. They will loose all their credibility, if they continue running behind the latter alone for T.R.P ratings.
Congrats nebil...its really appreciable that you found time for writing down one of the most relevant problem
ReplyDeleteThe unjustifiable and excessive intrusion of the media into the personal life of judicial officers and thereby tarnishing their hard earned reputation
Media is playing the role of judges now...from malayalam news channelsto times now news hour by Arnab Goswami this problem exist
Its high time to put an end to this
The resolution by the association is the need of the hour and highly praisable
This intrusion is not restricted to judicial officers it includes bureaucrats, politicians etc
ReplyDeleteCriticism must restrict itself to the official matters... defaming them personally should be stopped
On the other hand the controversial post by judges present judges and also Retired justice Markandey katju must also be censured because it affects the religious and political feelings of people
ReplyDeleteSome actions must be taken in this direction also..by the concerned authorities
Dear Kannan,
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear from you.
I agree with your views on the stand taken by the media in the recent times. The fourth estate must respect all the three pillars of Government- Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Corruption, scandal etc may be exposed. Media is independent, of course. But they must know their limits. Unrestricted power is very dangerous. If they don’t regulate themselves, state will be compelled to do so. The Hindu has set a good example- Ombudsman.
Regarding retired Justice. Katju, I beg to disagree with you. He has the liberty to speak his views. We are a tolerant society. Discussions should not be curtailed.
Thanks a lot for the read. Keep supporting.