CJI against pervasive media coverage of terror attacks

"Pervasive" media coverage of terror attacks came in for sharp criticism by Chief Justice of India Justice K G Balakrishnan who said it could provoke a disproportionate level of anger and irrational desire for retribution.

"Pervasive" media coverage of terror attacks came in for sharp criticism by Chief Justice of India Justice K G Balakrishnan who said it could provoke a disproportionate level of anger and irrational desire for retribution.

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A two-day International Conference of Jurists on Terrorism, which began in New Delhi on Saturday, also witnessed some drama when the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to India staged a walk out when former Union Minister Ram Jethmalani accused the Wahabi sect of being responsible for terrorism.

"While it is fair for the media to criticise the inadequacies in the security and law enforcement apparatus, there is also a possibility that the resentment fuelled by media coverage can turn into an irrational desire for retribution," Justice Balakrishnan said.

He said one must take note of the fact that the symbolic impact of terrorist attacks on the minds of ordinary citizens has also been considerably amplified by pervasive media coverage.

"The proliferation of 24-hour news channels and the digital medium has ensured that quite often some disturbing images and statements reach a wide audience within a short span of time," the CJI said.