Be careful about Ayodhya judgment coverage: Editors' guild

The demolition of the 16th century Babri Masjid Dec 6, 1992 by Hindu radicals who believed that the mosque was built on the birthplace of Lord Ram had triggered nationwide riots.   

In a press release issued by the group here Wednesday, Editors' Guild asked all Indian and overseas media to “exercise all possible restraint in the publication and broadcast of this verdict in conformity with the highest traditions of journalism and the public duty undertaken by us.”

It further asked to warrant that “no news or opinion relating to the above-stated matter may be sensational, inflammatory or provocative”.
The guild also said that there should be no speculation on the judgment before it is pronounced and neither on its consequence. Further, it directed members to convey news related to the judgment “in verbatim to the extent possible”.

It also asked members not to issue any footage or archival photographs of the Dec 6, 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid in any item relating to the judgment.
“All such news may conform strictly to subserving the public interest of maintaining communal harmony and preservation of the secular ethos of our society and should influence the formation of the correct public opinion,” the message said.