A discussion on judiciary and media organised by Kozhikode Vicharavedi on Sunday pointed out the need for both lawyers and mediapersons to exercise restraint in certain situations. The panellists noted that the fight between the press and the judiciary was a threat to democracy, as they are complementary.
The attacks on mediapersons in Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode recently were a challenge to the freedom of the press and the lawyers should not restrict them from executing their duty fearlessly. On the other hand, the media should not infringe privacy and indulge in unnecessary defamation, the panel opined.
The discussion was inaugurated by P.K. Kunhalikkutty, MLA. The panel included V.K.C. Mammad Koya, MLA; BJP central executive member P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, CPI(M) district secretary P. Mohanan, KPCC general secretary N. Subrahmanian, Calicut Bar Association president K.M. Kadiri and Press Club president Kamal Varadoor, besides senior journalist and president of the Vicharavedi A. Sajeevan.
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Mr. Pillai asked both lawyers and mediapersons not to give prominence to emotions over logic, while Mr. Mammad Koya said violence was not a solution to any problem. Mr. Mohanan wished the intervention of the High Court in the matter could have come a bit earlier.
Mr. Subrahmanian termed the incidents unfortunate and alleged conspiracy to flame up the problems. Mr. Kadiri said the bar association’s motion in favour of the police action against journalists on Saturday was just for avoiding a clash on the court premises.
‘The fight between press and judiciary is a threat to democracy, as they are complementary’