According to sources, the High Court Registrar General conveyed this request in writing to reporters covering court proceedings.
Punjab: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has urged the media to avoid mentioning the names of judges when reporting on its proceedings, orders, and judgments, particularly in “sensitive matters.”
According to sources, the High Court Registrar General conveyed this request in writing to reporters covering court proceedings.
“In the interest of the safety of Hon’ble Judges of this Court, correspondents are requested not to publish the names of Hon’ble Judge(s) while reporting proceedings, judgments, and orders of this Court,”
states a copy of the communication.
In a Similar case, Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has issued directions restricting media outlets from publishing or broadcasting the names of lawyers while reporting court proceedings.
The decision aims to prevent what the court described as an “indirect advertisement” of the professional capabilities of lawyers. The court further extended this caution to the naming of judges in news reports unless it is deemed absolutely necessary.
The bench comprising Justices Nooty Ramamohana Rao and S.S. Sundar directed the High Court Registrar (Administration) to take steps to ensure compliance with these directives. Specifically, the Registrar has been instructed to “instruct” media personnel to refrain from naming lawyers in their coverage of court news.
According to the judgment, naming lawyers in media reports could inadvertently serve as a form of advertisement, highlighting their professional skills and achievements. This, in the court’s view, could create an uneven playing field and undermine the integrity of the legal profession.
In addition to restricting the naming of lawyers, the bench also advised against naming judges in news reports unless absolutely necessary. The court emphasized that judges operate within a predetermined roster assigned by the Hon’ble Chief Justice. Highlighting individual judges in reports could lead to undue focus on their roles or decisions, potentially diverting attention from the institutional functioning of the judiciary.
“The reason being every judge of the High Court is carrying on with his work sitting in a particular roster as assigned by My Lord The Hon’ble Chief Justice,” the bench stated in its judgment.
To ensure adherence to these guidelines, the court directed the Registrar to “request” journalists covering court proceedings to exercise caution and discretion.
