The freedom of the press is like 'mother of all kinds of independence' in any democratic society and the media should make its guidelines for controlling itself. This was stated by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Deepak Mishra in a speech on Tuesday at the International Law Association as a Speaker. Meanwhile, another judge of the Supreme Court, AM Khanvilkar was also present.
"Nothing should be imposed on the media, but they themselves should make some restrictions." CJI Mishra said during his address, the freedom of expression plays a major role in creating the opinion of the general public in matters of national importance. Along with that said 'knowledgeable citizens' are prepared with this. He said, the freedom of the press is the mother of all kinds of independence in any democratic society. There is no doubt that this is one of the most valuable rights given to the Constitution. It has the right to know and the right to inform.
He further said, I am convinced that there should be no guidelines for the media. They should leave themselves to prepare their own guidelines and they (media) should be guided by them. There may not be anything better than the press's individual or collective guidelines. Nothing should be imposed in it, but there should be some types of self-restrictions in it. CJI further said that the media should take responsibility for maintaining fairness while reporting cases that incite citizens' spirit.
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