Media gag not the answer: SC panel

AS the media opposes the government’s move to regulate reporting during situations like 26/11, a Supreme Court-appointed committee has rejected any “pre-censorship” model.

AS the media opposes the government’s move to regulate reporting during situations like 26/11, a Supreme Court-appointed committee has rejected any “pre-censorship” model.

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Endorsing the formation of principles of responsible broad-casting and self-regulation, the committee headed by jurist Fali S. Nariman emphasised “the need not to drift from self-regulation to some statutory structure which may prove oppressive”. Approving of the New Broadcasting Association model (self-regulation), it recommended that it should be incorporated as guidelines issued by the Supreme Court.

Another committee headed by Justice (Retd) K.T. Thomas — appointed by the court to suggest measures to deal with vandalism and damage to life and property during strikes and political rallies — suggested stringent action against the organisers.

The two committees were set up in the wake of widespread vandalism and “provocative reporting” during the 2007 Gujjar agitation. They submitted their reports to the court, which asked all state governments to give their suggestions by February and posted the matter for hearing on March 17.