Lambasting the media houses in the country for its diminishing credibility, the Chief Justice of India, N.V.Ramana has endorsed independent Journalism as backbone of democracy.
Speaking at the release of the book ‘Geeta Vigyan Upanishad’ authored by Gulab Kothari, the CJI said killing of a brilliant story at desk by news organisations apart from breeding frustration among scribes also promoting lack of faith in profession of journalism among good journalists.
While stressing on the importance of independent journalism as a backbone of democracy, CJI asserted that journalists are the eyes and ears of the people.
Highlighting huge lacuna in systemic support for journalists in India, the CJI said ” media organisations must confine itself to honest journalism instead of using it as tool to expand its influence and business interests”.
“It is the responsibility of media houses to present facts. Especially in the Indian social scenario, people still believe that whatever is printed is true”, said CJI.
Stating that a well-informed and rational citizenry is crucial for healthy development of the nation, the CJI said “It is important for all to critically engage with texts we read and refuse to blindly accept the information that we encounter”.
“A well-informed and rational citizenry is crucial for healthy development of the nation,” the CJI underlined.
Pertinently, a few days back, the CJI had categorised electronic and social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, tweeter) as zero credibility institutions for running Kangaroo courts and pushing country’s democracy two steps backwards by vitiating peace in the country through agenda-driven debates.