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In a major relief for news broadcasters and the advocators of freedom of speech, the Supreme Court declined to hear two petitions that asked for rules governing television news channels and an impartial panel or media tribunal for resolving complaints on the information on such channels.
The freedom of speech and expression of persons working in the sector must be respected, a bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Sanjay Karol ruled. Viewers are allowed to choose not to watch such channels, the judges added.
Two public interest litigations (PILs) were heard by the Supreme Court, one of which was brought by lawyer Reepak Kansal of Delhi. In order to counter "sensational reporting," he pushed for the creation of an independent regulatory body for news broadcasters.
Kansal claimed, as reported by the Economic Times, that sensational coverage of important topics "just for the sake of viewership and notoriety" frequently resulted in the "tarnishing" of the reputation of a person, a community, or a religious or political organisation.
In his remark, Justice Oka said, “Who compels you to watch all these channels? If you do not like them, then do not watch them. When some wrong thing is shown, it is also about perception. Is there not freedom of expression? Even if we say no to media trials, how can we stop things on the internet and all? How can we grant such prayers? Who takes it seriously, tell us? There is freedom not to press the TV button.”
"In a lighter vein, what all is said about judges on social media, Twitter; we do not take it seriously. Who will lay down guidelines? Tell your clients not to watch these news channels, and do something better with their time," he added.
