"Media is a powerful watchdog and an important pillar of democracy, it cannot be restrained from reporting oral observations," Supreme Court tells SC

Supreme Court calls ECI's plea on Madras HC's murder remark far fetched

Responding to Election Commission's special leave petition seeking to stop media from reporting oral observations made in Courts, the Supreme Court today disallowed the plea made by the Election Commission calling it far fetched. 

We have to make sure that media reports everything that happens in court," the Supreme Court said.

Madras HC was critical of the Election Commission's lack of COVID management during elections

It is pertinent to mention that Madras High Court had heavily criticised the Election on its failure to take action against political parties flouting COVID protocols during election rallies. However, the following remark made by Madras HC irked the Election Commission of India.

 “Your institution is singularly responsible for the second wave of Covid-19. Election Commission officers should be booked on murder charges probably." 

 Media is a powerful watchdog and an important pillar of democracy: SC 

The Supreme made it clear that High Court judges and Chief Justices are independent to make views. 

The discussion in Court is a dialogue between the bar and the bench. Media is a very powerful watchdog in protecting the sanctity of this process," the Justice Chandrachud led Bench observed.

Calling media an important pillar of democracy, the Court asked the Supreme Court asked the election commission to take the oral observation in the right spirit. 

"Somewhere a line has to be drawn," says ECI

On the other side, the Election Commission addressed the flak it has been receiving on account of lack of COVID management during election campaigns. calling the whole perception against ECI as presumptuous, the poll body told the Court that it does not have officers to go to rallies of  Prime Minister or Chief Minister. Although, it welcomed harsh criticism but also highlighted the fact that COVID management is not their prerogative alone.

"Somewhere a line has to be drawn. Harsh criticism is welcome, but certain observations should not have been made, said the Election Commission.

The Bench agreed that there should be balance while making observations and assured the parties that it will make a balanced order ensuring the sanctity of High Courts.

The order will be pronounced on Thursday.