The Apex Court was hearing a plea filed by the Election Commission of India against the oral remarks made by Madras High Court of holding the officers responsible for the second wave of COVID-19 and booking them under the charge of murder.
The ECI submitted that without any proper evidence, such allegations had been raised against them and the same was being broadcasted by the media houses. Further, the commission submitted that it was the responsibility of the governmental authorities, under the Disaster Management, to implement the guidelines and ensure COVID appropriate behaviour.
The commission prayed before the court that the media’s power must be restricted to reporting about the contents of the order and not the oral observations which take place during the hearing. The commission also prayed for non-registration of complaints based on such news reports or oral observations.
The bench clarified that the prayer of the commission did not include challenging the order wherein the Madras High Court had make a remark about holding the irresponsibility of the officers.
The bench stated that it cannot stop the media from reporting the oral observations which take place inside a courtroom as they involve public interest and public concern. The bench observed that media acts as a watchdog of the “sanctity of judicial process.”
The bench also observed that reporting of such courtroom exchange is important as it instils the confidence of public in judiciary, ensures public accountability of such bodies and authorities and also that the judges are true to their oaths.
The bench also made sure that none of the remarks made by Madras High Court bear the intent to tarnish the image of Election Commission of India. The bench reserved its order for this plea filed by ECI.
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