Kathmandu, July 13: Togetherness of journalism and judiciary has been emphasized for bolstering democracy even at 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 once journalists question judiciary with facts and the judiciary delivers justice well, they contribute well to development of society.
The senior most judge at 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 the press freedom faces crisis at such situation, Raut added. The judge showed willingness to expand collaboration with media with clean intention.
Similarly, another judge at Supreme Court, Hari Phunyal, viewed a proper interaction was 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 court is the ultimate place to rescue press from hostility. Former Chair of FNJ, Shiva Gaunle, urged journalists to build professional capacity to question court in favour of citizen with factual and investigative reporting.
General Secretary of Nepal Bar Association, Anjita Khanal, suggested 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 collaboration of court and Forum. The discussion was held to garner suggestion for it, she added.
Former chair of the Forum, Yam Birahi, made presentation on the issues to be incorporated in the guide. #nepal
