Media should show responsibility in court reporting: CJI

Kochi, June 21 (UNI) Chief Justice of India Justice K G Balakrishnan has opined that journalists should show responsibility in reporting court proceedings.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a ' Workshop on Reporting of Court Proceedings by Media' has, Justice Balakrishnan said ''the media have a duty towards society and it should decide on what should be published and what not.'' He said public has the right to information and the fourth estate should protect the interests of the public.

The CJI also stated that while preparing media reports, the journalists should restrain from revealing the details of victims in sensitive cases like those concerning rape.

Justice Balakrishnan also pointed out that contempt of court was not used to 'terrorise' anyone but to make sure that people respected court orders.

He also pointed out that the court proceedings were transparent and there was nothing to hide.

The CJI also reiterated the importance of imparting training to journalists on reporting on court proceedings.

More than 100 journalists from the southern region attended the one-day workshop.

UNI MA GM ARB RK1502