No less a person than the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud has recognised the sterling role of the media in safeguarding democracy. Justice Chandrachud was speaking at the annual Ramnath Goenka award function on March 22 last. The Ramnath Goenka award has been instituted to recognise cutting edge journalism that goes beyond the notional reportage of daily affairs but is an in-depth reportage of the travails faced by the powerless across the country; reportage that shocks and awes and is transformative in nature because it draws the attention of the those running the government. What is interesting is Justice Chandrachud’s exhortation to those that did not make the cut for the award, “that you are no less a winner in the game of life for yours is a noble profession. To have chosen it at all (especially when more lucrative options are available) and to continue to pursue it despite the many difficulties which arise, is admirable indeed.” This should bolster the spirit of journalists in the periphery who struggle against all odds to do their bit without fear or favour, especially in a situation where press freedom is on the wane. The Chief Justice likened journalists to lawyers or judges in that practitioners of both professions are fierce believers of the aphorism that the pen is mightier than the sword and both also share the occupational hazard of being disliked by virtue of their professions which is no easy cross to bear.
Interestingly, Justice Chandrachud lauded the local or community-based journalism which he says has played an important role in encouraging social cohesion and political activism. Local media indeed has the ability to not only educate citizens but also to raise the little-known concerns and set the agenda for debate on those issues at the policy level. Local journalism, the Chief Justice says, ‘shines a bright light on local issues, people, and causes, which many times may not get covered by the media at the national-level. As several studies have shown that the composition of mainstream media is not representative of all communities.’
Recognising that journalists, both in India and across the world, work in difficult and unfriendly conditions, Justice Chandrachud appreciated their persistence in the face of adversity and opposition and pointed out that this quality should not be lost. Dissent is part of democracy and should not lead to hatred as is evident today and that hatred should not evolve into violence. The Chief Justice told the audience that the Supreme Court itself has emphasised on the rights of journalists in a number of judgments. He pointed to a particular judgment where the Supreme Court held: “India’s freedoms will rest safe as long as journalists can speak truth to power without being chilled by a threat of reprisal.”
To have the highest authority of the judiciary of this country uphold press freedom so unequivocally is a balm for journalists who are increasingly facing reprisals from those in power merely for reporting facts. Hopefully Justice Chandrachud’s words would resonate with those vested with the task of governing this country.