Is there a mechanism for checking of TV news before damage is done? Bombay High Court asks Centre

The court also said that if the media crossed the line, it is for the legislature to act

Expressing deep concern over “media trials”, the Bombay High Court on Friday wanted to know from the government if there was any mechanism for checking the content broadcast by news channels before the "damage is done".

"In a case where the media crosses the `Laxman rekha', it is for the Parliament to step in. Why should the court do it?.... you do not seem to be in a mood to ruffle the feathers with respect to the electronic media,” observed a division bench comprising Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni.

The observations came during the hearing of PIL filed by a group of retired IPS officers, who had petitioned the Bombay High Court in the wake of the news reportage vis-à-vis the Sushant Singh Rajput case.

Also read: Media trial causing great damage to the institution, says Attorney General K K Venugopal

"All public officers are liable to be removed if something happens. Same for (people in) private employment. People are taken to task for not behaving properly," the court said.

The bench then went on to add, “For the print, there is the Press Council for the films there is the Censor Board… what about a similar statutory body for the electronic media…”

However, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, appearing for the Union government, argued that the Supreme Court has maintained that the government must not interfere with the freedom of the press, and the press must be encouraged to have a system of self-regulation.

However, the bench pointed out that these judgments are from 2012-2013 but now times have changed. “This is the most misused freedom now," it said.

"Media has a fundamental right to freedom. But that cannot be used to infringe on the rights of others. This cannot go unregulated," it added.

Singh said the Union government was of the same view and was looking into what is needed to be done.

Senior counsel Arvind Datar, who appeared for the National Broadcasters Association, said it did impose fine on several TV channels for objectionable reportage on Sushant Singh Rajput's death.