CJI BR Gavai Raises Concerns Over Out-of-Context Reporting of Judges’ Remarks
Concerns Over Media Reporting of Courtroom Proceedings
Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai has expressed concerns over the issue of out-of-context reporting by the media of courtroom proceedings, highlighting the potential negative impact on public confidence in the judiciary.
The Risk of Out-of-Context Reporting
Speaking at a round table discussion at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, CJI Gavai noted that a recent comment made by a sitting Supreme Court judge was reported incorrectly, which can create a negative impact on the public’s perception of the judiciary. He emphasized that the media must wield live-streaming and reporting tools with care to avoid fake news or out-of-context court proceedings.
A Recent Incident
The CJI recalled a recent incident where a judge’s remark, made in a lighter vein, was portrayed wrongly. A judge had counselled a junior counsel on the art of court craft and soft skills, saying, “Only last week, one of my colleagues in a lighter vein counselled a junior counsel on the art of court craft and soft skills. Instead, his statement was taken out of context and reported in the media as, “Our ego is very fragile; if you offend it, your case will go out.”
Initiatives to Enhance Public Transparency
To enhance public transparency, the Supreme Court of India initiated live-streaming of its Constitution-bench cases. However, CJI Gavai cautioned that live streaming must be wielded with care to avoid negatively shaping public perception.
Implications for Public Trust
The CJI’s concerns highlight the importance of accurate reporting and the potential implications for public trust in the judiciary. This issue is particularly relevant in the context of judges accepting government posts or contesting elections soon after retirement, which can undermine public trust in the judiciary.
The CJI’s statement underscores the need for responsible reporting and the importance of considering the potential impact of out-of-context reporting on the public’s perception of the judiciary.
