‘Court and press together for democracy’

Kathmandu: The Togetherness of journalism and judiciary has been emphasized for bolstering democracy even in the present age of information technology.

During an interaction on ‘court reporting and media’ organized by the Supreme Court and the Constitutional and Legal Journalists’ Forum here today, the speakers viewed that once journalists question the judiciary with facts and the judiciary delivers justice well, they contribute well to the development of society.

The senior judge at the Supreme Court, Prakashman Singh Raut, said journalists should not misuse the power they have, while courts can foster just and rational activities. ‘Fair reporting is expected from media. Castigation and contempt of court devalues democracy,’ he reminded. Even press freedom faces a crisis in such a situation, Raut added.

The judge showed a willingness to expand collaboration with the media with clear intentions.

Similarly, another judge at the Supreme Court, Hari Phunyal, viewed a proper interaction as essential between judiciary and journalism to effectively enforce the right to information and press freedom enshrined by the Constitution. Press Council Nepal’s Chairman Balkrishna Basnet viewed the court as the ultimate place to rescue the press from hostility.

Former Chair of FNJ, Shiva Gaunle, urged journalists to build professional capacity to question the court in favor of citizens with factual and investigative reporting. General Secretary of Nepal Bar Association, Anjita Khanal, suggested to media persons that they could study well the court language and precedents for better court reporting.

Forum’s Chair Kalika Khadka informed that a guide was being prepared for court reporting with the collaboration of the court and Forum. The discussion was held to garner suggestion for it, she added. Former chair of the Forum, Yam Birahi, made a presentation on the issues to be incorporated into the guide.

RSS