The Madras High Court granted 12-week interim bail to YouTube journalist Savukku Shankar, noting repeated incarceration and misuse of criminal law against him. The judges flagged abuse of process, medical concerns, and continuous violation of his personal liberty.
Retired Justice S Muralidhar criticized India’s courts for issuing frequent gag orders and inconsistent protections for journalists, highlighting growing threats against press freedom. He noted that while the judiciary often uses media to its advantage, it reacts harshly to criticism. Muralidhar emphasized the need for a robust judiciary and free press to coexist.
“A journalist’s work does not just inform; it fortifies the very foundation of democracy,” said former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Wednesday. He spoke at the 25th Business Standard-Seema Nazareth Award for Excellence in Journalism, 2024 about how journalism plays a crucial role in society. While delivering the keynote address on the topic “Journalism as the mainstay of democracy,” Chandrachud highlighted the importance of journalists in keeping people informed.
On December 12, 2024, LawChakra hosted a live discussion with journalist Saurav Das, covering issues in India’s judicial system, including the Uniform Civil Code, marital rape criminalization, and corruption. Das emphasized the need for systemic reforms, judicial independence, and the importance of judges adhering to constitutional ideals while addressing media influence and accountability.
The Supreme Court today directed no coercive actions against ABP News journalist Jagvinder Patial, who interviewed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had ordered an FIR to investigate the circumstances of the interview. The journalist’s lawyer argued the interview was part of a sting operation to expose corruption, seeking protection for the journalist against potential arrest.