Delhi High Court Issues Clarification on Remarks Against Newslaundry Journalist
The Delhi High Court has explicitly clarified that it has no intention to act against Newslaundry journalist Manisha Pande or prejudice her career, following widespread circulation of the court's earlier remarks on social media platforms. In a significant development, the court emphasized that it is not attempting to gag the media, addressing concerns raised by its strong oral observations made during a hearing on Thursday.
Court's Clarification on Friday Hearing
Justice Shankar, along with Justice Om Prakash Shukla, called the lawyers of both sides to the court specifically for issuing this clarification, even though the case was not originally listed for Friday. The bench made it clear that their earlier statements were not meant to target the journalist personally or hinder her professional trajectory.
Addressing the counsel, Justice Shankar orally stated, "We don't intend to act against that journalist or to prejudice their career, and I think the counsel who were here were persons of maturity who understood the spirit in which those statements were made." This statement was aimed at dispelling any misconceptions about the court's stance on media freedom.
Context of the Original Remarks
The clarification comes a day after the division bench, while dealing with appeals by TV Today and Newslaundry pertaining to copyright infringement and defamation, had orally objected to the use of an unparliamentary word. The court had remarked that Pande "doesn't know the basic fundamentals of decency in reporting" and had suggested it might add her as a party to the litigation, potentially placing her career in "disarray."
These remarks quickly gained traction on social media, leading to thousands of hate messages and widespread discussion about judicial overreach and media autonomy.
Broader Implications for Media Reporting
Justice Shankar further elaborated on the court's position, stating, "this is intended for all who are reporting (on court cases) …we are not trying to cut down or gag the media…but while doing so, keep in mind the consequences of that reporting." He highlighted the issue of selective reporting, where one paragraph from the hearing was taken out of context and circulated extensively, leading to negative repercussions.
The judge warned that if such consequences persist, the bench might reconsider its interactions with the Bar, underscoring the delicate balance between judicial proceedings and media coverage.
Background of the Case
The case involves appeals by TV Today, the broadcasting arm of the India Today Group, and Newslaundry, focusing on allegations of copyright infringement and defamation. The court's remarks were made in the context of evaluating the content and tone of reporting related to these legal disputes.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between judicial authorities and media entities in India, particularly concerning the interpretation and dissemination of court proceedings.
