The Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld that fair reporting of court judgments is crucial for justice and press freedom, shielding journalists from contempt charges. This ruling highlights the press’s essential function in promoting transparency and accountability in state actions and judicial outcomes.
The Delhi High Court quashed a 47-year-old government eviction notice against The Indian Express, citing it as an attempt to stifle press freedom. The court ruled the notices invalid and ordered the government to pay Rs 5 lakh in costs. This decision stemmed from a long-standing dispute over the newspaper’s premises, originally allocated in the 1950s.
Today(on 12th July),Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that June 25 will be observed annually as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day) to commemorate the imposition of Emergency in 1975 by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Shah highlighted the declaration on social media, stressing the importance of honoring those who endured hardships during that period.
Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant stressed the necessity of safeguarding free speech, especially for journalists and the media. He emphasized the crucial link between freedom of speech and leading a dignified life, and the courts’ disapproval of attempts to curtail this right. The event also featured discussions on protecting the media’s rights within constitutional limits.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL seeking to block a news article alleging the cessation of RAW operations in North America, emphasizing that it did not endanger officers’ careers or their family members’ lives. The judgment upheld press freedom while recognizing the government’s authority to address content threatening national security. The ruling showcased the judiciary’s respect for press freedom and concern for national security.
The Calcutta High Court emphasized the crucial role of press freedom in a democratic society and granted anticipatory bail to journalist Ranjit Das, who was wrongly accused after covering illegal mining. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s responsibility to safeguard press freedom, acknowledging the challenges journalists face in upholding democratic values.
