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Hindustan Times
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
News reporting can change the way people think and behave: Ex-CJI Justice Sanjiv Khanna
New Delhi, Former Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Monday said that while judicial verdicts have had an impact on society, news reporting could change the way people think and behave. News reporting can change the way people think and behave: Ex-CJI Justice Sanjiv Khanna The ex-CJI made the remark while delivering a speech on the topic 'Judiciary and media: Shared principles, similarities and dissimilarities' at the 'Prem Bhatia Journalism Awards and Memorial Lecture' organised by the Editors Guild of India. He also termed the press and the judiciary two sentinels of our democratic order, acting as a check on the excesses of the executive and legislative. "Judgments do have an impact on society, but news reporting can change the way we think and behave. We underestimate the impact of news. News coverage is not a benign source of facts, but subconsciously meddles with our lives. We may not realise we are constantly simmering in a soup of news," Justice Khanna said. He said that in a democratic society, news or media reporting was "healthy" only when the reporting was not polluted by prejudice, bias, or polarisation. He said the media carries out the function more directly, while the judiciary does it in a more nuanced manner. "Both when functioning well, speak truth not to provoke, but to preserve and strengthen democracy. After all, a political and social order that works for the people, by the people and of the people necessarily implies robust watchdog institutions," he added. He said that the legitimacy of both institutions stemmed from public trust and faith, which are guided by reason, integrity and impartiality, and bias, misinformation, or loss of independence can erode that trust. "Rights are the casualties. Hence, both our professions require steadfast commitment to neutrality, fairness and objectivity," Justice Khanna said. He said 75 years after Independence, the question was whether the freedom of speech had grown "more capacious, more inclusive and more resilient." "Has it widened its arc to accommodate new voices, deeper dissent, and evolving modes of discourse? Has it responded meaningfully to the demands of the present day?" the former CJI wondered. He said it is the importance of freedom of speech that exposed this right to the challenges of political and executive overreach, digital distortion, and economic vulnerability. "We listen and act differently. You through stories and articles. We, through pleadings, oral arguments and written judgments, but our purpose converges to protect the voice of truth, to be fair and objective. When we do so, we uphold the freedom and liberty," he said. Justice Khanna said that responsible reporting tells the full story without inflaming passions or narrowing public debate, and represents a range of perspectives, with no hidden agendas. "Judges reach balanced conclusions by weighing all sides before speaking through reasoned judgments, and journalism should strive for the same discipline and standard. Accuracy and fairness are non-negotiable. Truth, perspective, and critical thinking are the shared ground on which justice and a free press stand together," he said. The jurist said the media must not engage in claiming, framing, or trimming anything that stands to influence the public. "...Media has to engage in dialogue and critical thinking." The two institutions, all the same, are not without some crucial differences, he said. "Media is an institution for the creation of opinion. There you stand head and shoulders above the judiciary. Judges as constitutional functionaries respond to facts on record, interpret the law and speak through their judgments. "We do not choose our cases, nor do we comment on them outside the courtrooms. We must not and cannot, should not editorialise our any constitutional functioning. Who chooses to do so betrays the oath to judicial life," Justice Khanna said. "We must guard against new avatars of yellow journalism," he added. He said fast news has its consequences. "Firstly, the competitive capacity of the user gets diminished. Thinking in depth requires effort and energy. Social media is attractive and many or most of the time, it does not require competitive capacity and time," he said. Justice Khanna also claimed today's youths have lost the sustained ability to think about complex topics. "Cognitive reasoning is declining. Its consequences are that the best ideas do not rise to the top. Ideas that carry a majority support get up quotes based upon similarity, opposition, emotional silence and so on," he said. "Look at the TV debates today. No topic is truly safe. We witness flame wars every evening. Acrimonious exchanges online do not result in bridges being built," he added. He said that the judiciary and the press were two different and distinct organs, but their health was interdependent. "The Constitution gives each one of us a separate role. Neither must be usurped," the former CJI said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Wire
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
'Criminalising journalism': Editors Guild Says It is Deeply Disturbed Over FIR Against Ajit Anjum
The FIR was registered on July 13 at the Ballia police station. New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India has said in a statement that it is deeply disturbed by the filing of an FIR against veteran Ajit Anjum for his reporting in Bihar. The FIR was registered on July 13 at the Ballia police station in connection to a video on his YouTube channel on July 12, in which Anjum had alleged large-scale irregularities in the voter list in the Sahebpur Kamal assembly constituency. 'Following this visit, Mr. Anjum's coverage highlighted several alleged irregularities in the revision process. He has now been accused of interfering with the electoral roll revision, provoking communal discord, and spreading misinformation. Based on a complaint by an election official, Mr. Anjum has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Representation of the People Act, 1951,' said the Editors Guild Statement dated Wednesday (July 16). The Editors Guild Statement on the FIR against journalist Ajit Anjum. The video on Anjum's YouTube channel had showed how the special intensive revision (SIR) process was being undertaken in Balia and claimed that many voter forms were being filled and uploaded without the Election Commission's required documents or photographs. 'The Editors Guild does not seek to defend or refute the contents of Shri Anjum's reportage. However, the registration of an FIR for what appears to be a legitimate journalistic exercise seems excessive. Administrators have various means to counter or clarify a media report if they so choose. Criminalising journalism and invoking serious legal provisions against journalists should not be among them,' said the Editors Guild in the statement. 'The Editors Guild hopes that better sense will prevail and that journalists – including Mr. Anjum – will not face impediments in the discharge of their professional duties. All stakeholders must work to safeguard and promote journalism that is both responsible and truthful,' the statement added. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
Scroll.in
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
‘Deeply disturbed': Editors Guild condemns FIR against journalist Ajit Anjum
The Editors Guild of India on Wednesday condemned the first information report filed against journalist Ajit Anjum for allegedly interfering in the Bihar voter roll revision process and provoking communal discord. In a statement, the press body noted that the action against Anjum for a 'legitimate journalistic exercise seems excessive'. The Editors Guild is 'deeply disturbed' by the FIR, it added. Anjum was booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the 1951 Representation of Peoples Act after he visited a polling booth in Bihar's Ballia on Saturday. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Anjum had claimed that he had found irregularities in the revision of the electoral rolls in the state, with several enumeration forms at the booth not having photos of the applicants and others that had been partially filled or did not have signatures. Anjum's YouTube channel has 75 lakh subscribers. On Wednesday, the Editors Guild of India stated that the administration has several means to counter or clarify a media report. 'Criminalising journalism and invoking serious legal provisions against journalists should not be among them,' it added. The press body said it hoped that journalists, including Anjum, would not 'face impediments in discharge of their professional duties'. 'All stakeholders must work to safeguard and promote journalism that is both responsible and truthful,' it added. On Monday, the Digipub News India Foundation, an association of independent digital news organisations and journalists, stated that the FIR against Anjum was a direct assault on independent journalism. The 'vague allegations' against the journalist were neither credible nor a reason enough for an FIR, the news association added. 'Instead of addressing those legitimate questions, the Election Commission, through this FIR, has attempted to intimidate not just him but all independent journalists who dare to report from the ground,' stated the foundation. The revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar was announced by the Election Commission on June 24. As part of the exercise, persons whose names were not on the 2003 voter list will need to submit proof of eligibility to vote. This means that 2.9 crore out of the state's 7.8 crore voters – or about 37% of the electors – have to submit documentary evidence. The Opposition parties have alleged that the special intensive revision of electoral rolls risked disenfranchising more than 2.5 crore voters, as they may not be able to produce the necessary documents. Anjum was booked under sections pertaining to criminal trespass, disobeying a lawful order, preventing a public servant from doing their duty and hurting religious sentiments. The FIR against the journalist was filed based on a complaint by a booth-level officer named Mohammed Ansrarul Haque. The Begusarai district administration alleged that Anjum, his associates and a cameraperson had made unauthorised videos of the voter roll revision process. Anjum claimed on Monday that a Muslim block-level officer was 'being used as a scapegoat ' against him. 'Instead of addressing the questions raised in the video, the administration is resorting to intimidation tactics,' Anjum said on social media. 'All I am saying is that I'm right here in Begusarai. If needed, I will fight up to the Supreme Court. I won't be scared.'
Economic Times
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Karnataka's fake news bill: Rs 10 lakh fine, 7-year jail for disrespecting sanatan symbols, promoting superstition
Agencies The state government's draft proposal—the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025—placed before the cabinet last week, has raised concern among stakeholders. According to the bill, the government looks to criminalise and punish those who spread misinformation. The draft bill says that companies and social media platforms may also be held liable for fake news shared through their the draft bill, social media users found guilty can face two to five years in jail. If one posts fake news on social media platforms, they can be imprisoned for up to seven years and fined up to Rs 10 lakh. Abetment of such offences will also attract a two-year jail term, the 11-page draft read. The draft includes formulating a state 'fake news regulatory authority' tasked with a broad mandate to monitor and regulate the content disseminated on social media platforms. 'Prohibit publication of content amounting to disrespect of Sanatan symbols and beliefs on social media platforms. Prohibit publication of content promoting superstition,' the draft bill accessed by ET read. Government's takePriyank Kharge, state IT-BT minister, told ET that the document is an opinion of a few individuals in the law department and will be thoroughly discussed by the home and IT departments before moving forward. Defending the Congress government's move, Kharge said, "We are not deciding whether it is misinformation or fake news. We are getting professionals to do that. We would love it if even the Editors Guild of India or the Press Council of India, or anybody else, wants to be a part of it."He added that the government is not trying to change any policy. 'We're just trying to connect the dots that already exist and make a bill out of it." The minister emphasised that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that misinformation creates havoc and is a threat to democracy. The new authority's core functions would include ensuring a complete ban on the spread of fake news. It also talks about content that is abusive, obscene, anti-feminist, or insulting to the dignity of women. The new body will have the power to recommend punitive action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, against individuals or entities found asked if the government would support such a bill at a central level, Kharge, referring to the Broadcast and Digital Bill, said, "We are not doing anything like tampering with the IT Act. We are merely categorising any public interest information as true or false. And we are tracking it up with reasons why we think it is false. Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. The bike taxi dreams of Rapido, Uber, and Ola just got a jolt. But they're winning public favour Second only to L&T, but controversies may weaken this infra powerhouse's growth story Punit Goenka reloads Zee with Bullet and OTT focus. Can he beat mighty rivals? 3 critical hurdles in India's quest for rare earth independence HDB Financial may be cheaper than Bajaj Fin, but what about returns? Why Sebi must give up veto power over market infra institutions These large- and mid-cap stocks can give more than 23% return in 1 year, according to analysts Are short-term headwinds from China an opportunity? 8 auto stocks: Time to be contrarian? Buy, Sell or Hold: Motilal Oswal initiates coverage on Supreme Industries; UBS initiates coverage on PNB Housing
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Karnataka's fake news bill: Rs 10 lakh fine, 7-year jail for disrespecting sanatan symbols, promoting superstition
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills The state government's draft proposal—the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025—placed before the cabinet last week, has raised concern among stakeholders. According to the bill, the government looks to criminalise and punish those who spread misinformation. The draft bill says that companies and social media platforms may also be held liable for fake news shared through their the draft bill, social media users found guilty can face two to five years in jail. If one posts fake news on social media platforms, they can be imprisoned for up to seven years and fined up to Rs 10 lakh. Abetment of such offences will also attract a two-year jail term, the 11-page draft draft includes formulating a state 'fake news regulatory authority' tasked with a broad mandate to monitor and regulate the content disseminated on social media platforms. 'Prohibit publication of content amounting to disrespect of Sanatan symbols and beliefs on social media platforms. Prohibit publication of content promoting superstition,' the draft bill accessed by ET takePriyank Kharge, state IT-BT minister, told ET that the document is an opinion of a few individuals in the law department and will be thoroughly discussed by the home and IT departments before moving the Congress government's move, Kharge said, "We are not deciding whether it is misinformation or fake news. We are getting professionals to do that. We would love it if even the Editors Guild of India or the Press Council of India, or anybody else, wants to be a part of it."He added that the government is not trying to change any policy. 'We're just trying to connect the dots that already exist and make a bill out of it."The minister emphasised that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that misinformation creates havoc and is a threat to new authority's core functions would include ensuring a complete ban on the spread of fake news. It also talks about content that is abusive, obscene, anti-feminist, or insulting to the dignity of women. The new body will have the power to recommend punitive action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, against individuals or entities found asked if the government would support such a bill at a central level, Kharge, referring to the Broadcast and Digital Bill, said, "We are not doing anything like tampering with the IT Act. We are merely categorising any public interest information as true or false. And we are tracking it up with reasons why we think it is false.
