Independent Journalism is the Backbone of Democracy, Media Must Confine Itself to Honest Journalism Don’t Use it As A Tool: CJI NV Ramana
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Independent journalism is the backbone of democracy. Journalists are the eyes and the ears of the people. Chief Justice of India NV Ramana Said on Tuesday.
The CJI, who had been a scribe for a brief while before entered into legal profession, said that it is the responsibility of media houses to present facts.
Especially in the Indian social scenario, people still believe that whatever is printed is true. All I want to say is that the media must confine itself to honest journalism without using it as a tool to expand its influence and business interests said the CJI.
He was speaking at the release of the book ‘Geeta Vigyan Upanishad’ authored by Gulab Kothari.
“You may recall that only media houses without business baggage, were able to fight for democracy during the dark days of emergency. The true nature of media houses will certainly be assessed from time to time, and appropriate conclusions will be drawn from their conduct during testing times”, the CJI added.
CJI also recalled his brief stint was a journalist during his youth.
“For a brief while, before I went back to the university to study law, I worked as a journalist. I used to travel by public transport for news coverage. There was 4 healthy competition among journalists to do great public interest stories. I am sure there are journalists who are equally enthused in today’s media too. But after taking risks and putting in a lot of hard work and energy, a brilliant story filed by a journalist is killed at the desk. It is thoroughly demoralizing for a genuine journalist. You cannot blame him or her, if they encounter such situations repeatedly and lose faith in the profession.”
He made these statement in a public speech delivered on Tuesday at New Delhi. In his speech CJI lauded the publisher of the book Rajasthan Patrika Group for remaining true to its roots and not venturing into other business activities. It was in this context that the CJI spoke about the importance of media sticking to its core activity of journalism.
The CJI said the teachings in the Gita transcend the boundaries of religion- time, and age. The fundamentals of true religion are compassion and righteousness. Our religious books teach us about the essential virtues of human existence. They teach us the value of a benevolent heart, the spirit of service and respect and consideration for fellow human beings. It is extremely important to ensure that our children imbibe strong moral values.
“Our religious books teach us about the essential virtues of human existence. They teach us the value of a benevolent heart, the spirit of service and respect and consideration for fellow human beings. It is extremely important to ensure that our children imbibe strong moral values”, said the CJI.
Lok Sabha speaker OM Birla was also present at the event.
