DA case: judge advises media to be responsible in reporting proceedings

‘Distorted reports are being published insome newspapers’

Distorted reports are being published in some newspapers about the court proceedings in the appeal filed by AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa against her conviction in the disproportionate assets case, observed Justice C.R. Kumaraswamy of the High Court of Karnataka on Thursday.

The judge said the media had an important role in disseminating information to society but they should be responsible in reporting court proceedings.

Mr. Justice Kumaraswamy, who is hearing the appeals filed by Ms. Jayalalithaa and three others, made these observations orally during the hearing.

When certain reference was made on media reports, Mr. Justice Kumaraswamy said he too had noticed that what was published in some of the newspapers had not actually transpired in the court during the proceedings.

He also said the questions posed by the court in the usual course of hearing to the prosecutor were being projected differently.

A few journalists stood up when the judge wanted to know whether any mediapersons were present in the court, and he, without making reference to any particular reporter or newspaper, advised them to report the court proceedings accurately and responsibly.

Also, Special Public Prosecutor G. Bhavani Singh told the court that Tamil news channels had incorrectly reported that the court had “criticised” him for not making proper submission and they would report negatively when he seeks adjournment for preparing his arguments.

Meanwhile, the court adjourned further hearing till March 4 to enable the Special Public Prosecutor to prepare his arguments even though Mr. Singh had sought time till March 9.