MEDIAANDLAW

*GNRay
Dearfriends,itisindeedaprivilegetocommunicatewithyouthroughthemediumof
this National Seminar on Media and Law.I wish to share my views on the subject in the
dualroleofaformerSupremeCourtJudgeandalsopractisinglawforseveralyearsandas
ChairmanofthePressCouncilofIndia,whichisanApexbodyofthePrintMedia.Thereis
needtodiscusstheprivilegesandspecificrightsgrantedbytheStatetothemediapersons
andthoseenjoyedbythejudiciaryundertheConstitution.ThisSeminar,Iamtoldwilltake
usthroughthelargerissuesthatarebotheringthesocietytheissuewhetherthemediais
crossinglimitsincommentingoncelebritiesandencroachingontheprivacyofpublicfigures,
blackmailingthoseinauthorityandpromotingtrialbymediaincasespendingconsideration
beforethevariouscourtsofthecountry.Iamsure,severalviewswillbepresentedoverthe
nexttwodaysandconcretesuggestionswillemergefromtheaugustaudiencepresenthere.
This twoway communication will be vital for healthy growth and fruitful result of this
Seminar.

Freedomofthemediaisindeedanintegralpartofthefreedomofexpressionand
essentialrequisiteofademocraticsetup.TheIndianConstitutionhasgrantedthisfreedom
by way of Fundamental Right. The media, which is obligated to respect the rights of
individual, is also obligated to work within the framework of legal principles and statutes.
These principles/statutes have been framed by way of minimum standards and do not
intendtodetractfromhigherstandardsofprotectiontothefreedomofexpression.

ThemediaistheFourthlimbofademocraticsystem,thelegislature,executiveand
judiciarybeingtheotherthree.Whilelegislaturepreparesthelawforthesocietyandthe
executivetakesstepsforimplementingthem,thethirdsteppingstoneisthejudiciary,which
hastoensurelegalityofallactionsanddecisions.TheFourthEstatei.e.thepresshasto
operatewithintheframeworkofthesestatutesandconstitutionalprovisiontoactinpublic
and national interest. This is indicative of the fact that nobody is above law. When the
ConstitutionofIndiaguaranteedfreedomofexpressionandspeechtoitscitizens,itensured
thatthefreedomwasnotabsoluteandanyexpression,bywayofwords,speechorvisual
medium,didnotviolateanystatutoryprovisionsenactedbylegislatureandexecutedbythe
executive. If the media, electronic or print, exceeded its jurisdiction, the courts came
forward to ensure that violation of the Fundamental rights by the media does not go
unchecked.
ThePressCouncilofIndia,whichIrepresentheretodayasitsChairman,wasborn
out of the anxiety of our constitutional fathers to ensure that democracy can flourish only

where its citizens enjoy full freedom of speech and expression subject only to reasonable
restrictions.ThepressisrightlycoveredwithintheambitofArticle19(1)(a)evenwithout
an express mention. However, once the freedom struggle was over it was realised that a
newkindofpresswasemerginginthepostindependenceerawhoseaimsandobjectswere
undergoingfastchange.TheFirstPressCommissionsetupin1954examinedtheissuein
depth and proposed the establishment of a Press Council as a peer body by regulate the
conduct of their own brethren without any outside or governmental interference. Similar
bodies were functional in several other democracies, but these were primarily voluntary
organisations.InIndia, it was deemed more appropriate to give the Council the statutory
backing affording due weightage of its adjudications and pronouncements. The Press
CouncilofIndiahassincefunctionedlikeaCourtofHonour,guidingtheprintmediaalong
the path of ethical conduct and at the same time protecting it from any onslaught on its
freedom.
ThePressCouncilalsofunctionsasanadvisorybodytothegovernmentonmatters
affecting press freedom and has rendered valuable advise on several legislations. These
cover the areas of libel, invasion of privacy, right to information, parliamentary privileges,
PreventionofTerroristActivities,OfficialSecrets,andmanymore.Lately,thePressCouncil
had advised the Parliament on Truth being accepted as a defence in contempt of court
proceedings,andtheenactmentincorporatingtheseprovisionsinContemptofCourtActhas
recentlybeenpassed.

Similarly, the Council has drawn up a set of norms on media reporting on court
proceedings.Itwillbeappropriatetorefertothemindetailhere.
"Cautionincriticizingjudicialact
i)Exceptingwherethecourtsitsincameraordirectsotherwise,itisopentoa
newspaper to report pending judicial proceedings, in a fair, accurate and
reasonablemanner.Butitshallnotpublishanything:
which, in its direct and immediate effect, creates a substantial risk of
obstructing,impedingorprejudicingseriouslythedueadministrationofjustice
or
isinthenatureofarunningcommentaryordebate,orrecordsthepapers
own findings conjectures, reflection or comments on issues, sub judice and
whichmayamounttoabrogationtothenewspaperthefunctionsofthecourt
or
regardingthepersonalcharacteroftheaccusedstandingtrialonachargeof
committingacrime.
ii)Newspapershallnotasamatterofcaution,publishorcommentonevidence
collected as a result of investigative journalism, when, after the accused is
arrestedandcharged,thecourtbecomesseizedofthecase:Norshouldthey
reveal, comment upon or evaluate a confession allegedly made by the

accused.
iii)Whilenewspapersmay,inthepublicinterest,makereasonablecriticismofa
judicial act or the judgement of a court for public good they shall not cast
scurrilousaspersionson,orimputeimpropermotives,orpersonalbiastothe
judge.Norshalltheyscandalizethecourtorthejudiciaryasawhole,ormake
personalallegationsoflackofabilityorintegrityagainstajudge.
iv) Newspaper shall, as a matter of caution, avoid unfair and unwarranted
criticismwhich,byinnuendo,attributestoajudgeextraneousconsiderationfor
performing an act in due course of his/her judicial functions, even if such
criticismdoesnotstrictlyamounttocriminalContemptofCourt.
b)Reportingnewspertainingtocourtproceedings
Beforepublishinganewsitemaboutcourtproceedings,itwillbeappropriate
forthecorrespondentandeditortoascertainitsgenuinenessand,correctness
and authenticity from the records so that the concerned person can be held
guilty and accountable for furnishing incorrect facts or wrong information
aboutthecourtproceedings.
Alotremainstobedonetoensurethattwoofthestrongestpillarsofourdemocracy
i.e.thejudiciaryandthemediaworkintandemtopromotethedemocraticsecularprinciples
enshrinedinourconstitution.
InternationalEfforts
In 1994, a group of 39 distinguished legal experts and media representatives,
convened by the International Commission of Jurists, its Centre for the Independence of
JudgesandLawyers,andtheSpanishCommitteeofUNICEF,metforthreedaysinMadrid,
Spain.Theobjectivesofthemeetingwere

toexaminetherelationshipbetweenthemediaandjudicialindependence,
toformulateprinciplestohelpthemediaandthejudiciarydeveloparelationshipthat
servesbothfreedomoftheexpressionandthejudicialindependence.
The participants came from Brazil, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Sweden, Jordan,
Australia, Ghana, France, India, Spain, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal,Switzerland,Senegal,Palestine,Bulgaria,Croatia,andSlovakia.
Thefollowingaretheprinciplesdrawnupatthemeet.
The Madrid Principles on the Relationship between the Media and Judicial
Independence.

Freedomofthemedia,whichisanintegralpartoffreedomofexpression,
isessentialinademocraticsociety.Itistheresponsibilityofjudgestorecognise
andgiveeffecttofreedomofthemediabyapplyingabasicpresumptionintheir
favour and by permitting only such restrictions on freedom of the media as are
authorised by the International Covenant in Civil and Political Rights
("InternationalCovenant")andarespecifiedinpreciselaws.

Themediahaveanobligationtorespecttherightsofindividuals,protected
bytheInternationalCovenant,andtheindependenceofthejudiciary.
Theseprinciplesaredraftedasminimumstandardsandmaynotbeusedto
detract from existing higher standards of protection of the freedom of
expression.
TheBasicPrinciple
1. Freedomofexpression(includingfreedomofthemedia)constitutesoneof
theessentialfoundationsofeverysocietywhichclaimstobedemocratic.It
is the function and right of the media to gather and convey information to
thepublicandtocommentontheadministrationofjustice,includingcases
before, during and after trial, without violating the presumption of
innocence.
2. Thisprinciplecanonlybedeparted from in the circumstances envisaged in
theInternationalCovenantinCivilandPoliticalRights,asinterpretedbythe
1984SiracusaPrinciplesontheLimitationandDerogationProvisionsinthe
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, (UN Document
E/CN.4/1984/4).
3. Therighttocommentontheadministrationofjusticeshallnotbesubjectto
anyspecialrestrictions.
ScopeoftheBasicPrinciple
4. The basic principle does not exclude the preservation by law of secrecy
duringtheinvestigationofcrimeevenwhereinvestigationformspartofthe
judicialprocess.Secrecyinsuchcircumstancesmustberegardedasbeing
mainly for the benefit of persons who are suspected or accused and to
preservethepresumptionofinnocence.Itshallnotrestricttherightofany
such person to communicate to the Press information about the
investigationofthecircumstancesbeinginvestigated.
5. The basic principle does not exclude the holding in camera of proceedings
intendedtoachieveconciliationorsettlementofprivatecause.
6. The basic principle does not require a right to broadcast live or recorded
courtproceedings.Wherethisispermitted,thebasicprincipleshallremain
applicable.

Restrictions
7. Any restriction of the basic principle must be strictly prescribed by law.

Whereanysuchlawconfersadiscretionorpower,thatdiscretionorpower
mustbeexercisedonlybyajudge.
8. Where a judge has a power to restrict the basic principle and is
contemplating the exercise of that power, the media (as well as any other
person affected) shall have the right to be heard for the purpose of
objectingtotheexerciseofthatpowerand,ifexercised,arightofappeal.
9. Laws may authorise restrictions of the basic principle to that extent
necessary in a democratic society for the protection of the minors and of
membersofothergroupsinneedofspecialprotection.
10.Lawsmayrestrictthebasicprincipleinrelationtocriminalproceedingsin
the interest of the administration of justice to the extent necessary in a
democraticsociety.
(a)forthepreventionofseriousprejudicetoadefendant
(b) for the prevention of serious harm to or improper pressure
beingplaceduponawitness,amemberofajury,oravictim.
11. Where a restriction of the basic principle is sought on the ground of
national security, this should not jeopardise the right of the parties,
includingtherightsofthedefence.Thedefenceandthemediashallhave
the right, to the greatest extent possible, to know the grounds on which
therestrictionissought(subject,ifnecessary,toadutyofconfidentialityif
the restriction is imposed) and shall have the right to contest this
restriction.
12. In civil proceedings, restrictions of the basic principle may be imposed if
authorised by law to the extent necessary in a democratic society to
preventseriousharmtothelegitimateinterestofaprivateparty.
13.Norestrictionshallbeimposedinanyarbitraryordiscriminatorymanner.
14.Norestrictionshallbeimposedexceptstrictlytotheminimumextentand
fortheminimumtimenecessarytoachieveitspurpose,andnorestriction
shall be imposed if a more limited restriction would be likely to achieve
that purpose. The burden of proof shall rest on the party requesting the
restriction.

AnnexI
StrategiesofImplementation
1. JudgesshouldreceiveguidanceindealingwiththePress.Judgesshouldbe
encouraged to assist the press by providing summaries of long or complex
judgements of matters of public interest and by other appropriate
measures.
2. JudgesshallnotbeforbiddentoanswerquestionsfromthePressrelatingto
the administration of justice, though reasonable guidelines as to dealing

withsuchquestionsmaybeformulatedbythejudiciary,whichmayregulate
discussionofidentifiableproceedings.
3. The balance between independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press
andrespectoftherightsoftheindividualparticularlyofminorsandother
personsinneedofspecialprotectionisdifficulttoachieve.Consequently,
itisindispensablethatoneormoreofthefollowingmeasuresareplacedat
the disposal of affected persons or groups: legal recourse, Press Council,
Ombudsmanforthepress,withtheunderstandingthatsuchcircumstances
can be avoided to a large extent by establishing a Code of Ethics for the
mediawhichshouldbeelaboratedbytheprofessionitself."

Mr.F.S.Nariman,thenotedjurist,hadonceobserved,AresponsiblePressisthe
handmaiden of effective judicial administration. The Press does not simply publish
information about cases and trials but, subjects the entire Justice hierarchy (police,
prosecutors,lawyers,Judges,Courts),aswellasthejudicialprocesses,topublicscrutiny.
Free and robust reporting, criticism and debate contribute to public understanding of the
rule of law, and to a better comprehension of the entire Justice system. It also helps
improvethequalityofthatsystembysubjectingittothecleansingeffectofexposureand
publicaccountability.
Theneedisthatthecourtsbecriticizedbutthereisjustasgreataneedthatcourts
beallowedtodotheirdutyfearlessly.
IwouldliketoconcludebyquotingMahatamaGandhi:oneoftheobjectsofa
newspaperistounderstandthepopularfeelingandgiveexpressiontoit,another
istoarouseamongthepeoplecertaindesirablesentiments,andthethirdisthe
fearlessnesstoexposepopulardefects.
Ihopethisseminarwoulddiscuss,intheabovecontext,therecentactivitiesofthe
media like the sting operations, invasion of the privacy of individual, trial by the media
parallel to court trials and sensationalism and trivialization of news and information. The
question is not of the deficiency of law on media, but the observance and effective
implementationoftheexistinglaws.Withtheimpactofglobalisation,thescenarioinmedia
reporting has undergone and is still undergoing changes faster than anticipated. There is
need for deep introspection by media person charged with avowed orientation for
Bahujan Hitayaa Bahujana Sukhayaa cha. Being watchdog of the society the
media persons cannot afford to be oblivious even for a moment of its responsibilities and
reasonable expectation of the society from them. Permit me to quote translated version
fromapoemofViswakaviRabindraNathThakur:
RemainsteadfastRemainawakelikeanightcandle,
Inthishourofdarkness,ifyoufallasleep
Therewhoneedyouhelpwillgobackdisappointed

Namaskar

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*AddressatUniversityLawCollege,VidhiBhawan,UniversityofRajasthanon27th May2006at11.00a.m.onthe
inaugurationofatwodaysSeminaronMediaandtheLaw