Judiciary and Press Under Siege, Warns Justice Lokur at Media Unity Awards
(Judicial Quest News Network)
New Delhi, April 2025 — Delivering a powerful message at the Nai Duniya Foundation’s Media for Unity Awards 2025, former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur declared that the judiciary and the press — the twin pillars of Indian democracy — are under assault.
Reflecting on the critical role of press freedom and judicial independence, Justice Lokur emphasized the urgent need to protect both institutions from increasing pressures and encroachments. “The judiciary and the press are the two pillars of our democracy. Today, unfortunately, both are under attack,” he remarked in a deeply thought-provoking address.
The event, held in memory of veteran journalist Kuldeep Nayar, honoured Suhasini Haidar, National Editor at The Hindu, with the prestigious Kuldeep Nayar Media Unity Award. Ms. Haidar was recognized for her stellar contributions to English journalism. Accepting the award, she expressed gratitude to her platform:
“I’d like to thank The Hindu, which is a living example of a newspaper for which pluralism is an article of faith,” she said.
Also present was Mandira Nayar, Kuldeep Nayar’s granddaughter, who joined Justice Lokur in presenting the awards.
This year’s Media Unity Awards also celebrated a diverse and impactful group of journalists and public figures, including:
- Arun Suri and Minhaz Merchant, senior journalists
- Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of The Wire
- Anubhav Sinha, filmmaker
- Priti Chaudhuri, broadcast journalist
- Om Thanvi and Navin Surya, veteran writers
- MK Raina, noted theatre personality
- And the India Love Project, a social media initiative promoting interfaith harmony
The ceremony highlighted the need for media solidarity, artistic freedom, and the continued fight for truth and democratic values in today’s challenging times.
