The Bombay High Court Bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G.S Kulkarni , on Wednesday while referring the Channel “#ArrestRhea” campaign demanded to know from Republic TV, if asking viewers who all should be arrested in a case that is being investigated and infringing upon the person right’s qualified as, ‘Investigative Journalism’.
The Court also asked the channel’s lawyer Malvika Trivedi, Why Republic TV is broadcasting photos of the Sushant’s body and speculations are raised on whether the actor’s death was a case of suicide or homicide. The Bench said, “When a case is under investigation and the issue is whether it’s a homicide or a suicide and a channel is saying it is murder, is all this investigative journalism?” also “Why is this the part of Channel ?”It asked.
Bench added “We are referring to the basic journalism norms, where a basic etiquette has to be maintained for suicide reporting. No sensational headlines, no constant repeating. You did not even leave the deceased, forget the witnesses.” “You have depicted a lady in such a way that infringes on her rights. This is our prima facie view.”
In attempt to divert attention from ongoing Pandemic situation, Economic mess and more important and serious news coverage, sections of the media have been running their independent campaigns against an individual.
On Wednesday bench was hearing the final arguments on bunch of PILs seeking restrain on media for reporting on Sushant’s death and pleas had also sought that TV channels should be stopped from conducting media trail. The bench had asked all parties to clarify if a statutory mechanism was required to regulate the content broadcast by the news channels.
During the hearing on Wednesday, Additional Solicitor-General Anil Singh, who appeared for the government, said that Centre was in favour of a self-regulatory mechanism for the print and TV media.
Earlier, CBI had taken over the Sushant probe on the recommendation of the Bihar Government. Now, the UP Government has advised CBI investigation into the TRP manipulation case.
