CJI-designate Justice Surya Kant praises women journalists for leading local reporting teams that expose social injustices, gender violence, and policy gaps. Their persistent, impartial work is driving real change and strengthening press freedom in India.
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NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India-designate, Justice Surya Kant, has praised women journalists for transforming the media landscape through persistent, impartial reporting that drives social change. Speaking at the 31st anniversary of the Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC), Justice Kant highlighted the pivotal role women journalists play in exposing social injustices, gender-based violence, and policy gaps.
“Across India and globally, women are pioneering local reporting teams that document social injustice, gender violence, and policy gaps. Their persistent and impartial journalism, coupled with engagement with local authorities, has led to tangible change—from improved infrastructure to greater legal transparency,”
Justice Kant said.
Justice Kant emphasized that women journalists have consistently reported from conflict zones, edited crucial stories under tight deadlines, anchored debates, and conducted far-reaching investigations. Their work, he noted, goes beyond mere reporting; it fosters social accountability and encourages democratic participation.
“Women journalists bring more than professional skills. Coverage on politics, health, education, and social reforms reflects the intricate complexities of our society and promotes the democratic participation necessary for true progress,”
he added.
Justice Kant also addressed the unique vulnerabilities faced by women journalists in the age of AI and emerging technologies. He cautioned that the unrestricted use of AI, including deepfake technology and doctored images, poses serious risks to privacy, dignity, and safety.
“Women journalists are disproportionately targeted. Perpetrators misuse private data, fabricate incriminating content, troll incessantly, and manipulate images to inflict psychological and professional harm,”
he said, stressing that such abuse undermines press freedom and confidence in the media.
He called on media organizations to implement strong protocols and industry-wide regulations to protect women journalists and victims of false narratives.
Justice Kant warned that manipulated content can have long-lasting, devastating impacts, often outlasting the news cycle.
“The victims endure reputational damage, loss of credibility, and even social ostracism. Often, manipulated content persists online indefinitely,”
he noted.
He urged society not to normalise online harassment or digital violence, calling it incompatible with democratic values.
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Emphasising that constitutional freedoms must go hand-in-hand with ethical responsibility, Justice Kant urged media organisations and regulatory bodies to establish uniform protocols to safeguard women journalists and victims of false narratives.
“Media organisations and governing bodies must develop strong, industry-wide regulations to protect women journalists,” he said, adding that women should be active participants in every stage of media operations — from reporting to policy-making and ethical reform.
He encouraged the IWPC to lead initiatives in digital safety training and promotion of fair online practices.
Justice Kant drew inspiration from India’s women cricket team, which recently won the 2025 World Cup, as a testament to how women consistently break barriers and set new standards of excellence, both on the field and in the press gallery.
Justice Kant concluded his address with a message of solidarity and hope, lauding women who continue to break barriers across fields. He cited the Indian Women’s Cricket Team’s victory in the 2025 Cricket World Cup as a testament to women’s resilience and excellence.
“Their triumph is a reminder of how Indian women persistently set new standards of excellence, whether on the cricket field or in the press gallery,”
he said.
IWPC president Sujata Raghavan also addressed the gathering, reiterating the importance of recognizing and empowering women in journalism.
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