Fake news threatens democracy along with tension, know what Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Wednesday warned of the dangers of fake news in the digital age, saying such news can create tension between different communities. Along with this, he said that fake news can also pose a threat to democratic values. He was addressing the Ramnath Goenka Award ceremony here as the chief guest. On the issue of ‘media trial’, he said that many times it happened that the media projected the accused as guilty in the eyes of the public even before the court’s decision. He said that every institution is facing challenges and journalism has its own challenges.
Fake news a threat to press freedom
CJI Chandrachud said that in the present society, fake news is a serious threat to the freedom and fairness of the press. It is the collective responsibility of the journalists as well as the stakeholders to keep away any bias or prejudice during the process of reporting…Fake news can mislead millions of people at once and it would be against the fundamental principles of democracy that underlie our existence. Builds the foundation of. Justice Chandrachud termed responsible journalism as the engine that takes democracy towards a better future. He said that responsible journalism acts like an engine which takes democracy towards a better tomorrow. In the digital age, it is more important than ever that journalists do journalism that is accurate, fair, responsible and fearless.
‘Can tell the truth in front of power’
Justice Chandrachud emphasized that a functioning and healthy democracy always encourages the growth of journalism as an institution that can ask tough questions to institutions or in simple language can ‘speak truth to power.’ Mobility is compromised when the press is prevented from doing so. The press must remain free for the country to remain democratic.’ He said it was a fearful time, but also a fearless time for the rise of fearless journalism. Justice Chandrachud said that 25 June 1975 was an important moment in our history.
Fake news has the potential to create tension between communities
He said that a declaration (of Emergency) defined and redefined our notions of liberty and threats to it and also how vulnerable it could be…. The Chief Justice said that there is a need to bridge the gap between truth and falsehood and become a bridge. He said that fake news has the potential to create tension between communities, thus putting our democratic values at risk. The Chief said that journalists and lawyers (or judges like him) have some things in common. He said that both believe that “the pen is mightier than the sword.
If there is to be a democracy in the country then the press has to be free
He said that if democracy is to remain in the country, then the press has to be free. Newspapers have historically been a catalyst for social and political change. Referring to the US-based campaign ‘Me Too’ against sexual harassment, he said, “Me Too had an impact on the whole world and was an important event in history. Media coverage of the Jyoti and Nirbhaya rapes by some people in Delhi in India resulted in mass protests and subsequent criminal law reforms.
Disagreement should not turn into hatred
Justice Chandrachud said that as a citizen it is possible that we may not agree with the stand taken or the conclusion drawn by the journalists. I also disagree with many journalists. After all, who is it that agrees with everyone? But disagreement should not turn into hatred and hatred should not be allowed to turn into violence.
