Karnataka High Court wants SIT to probe TV channels over March 02 violence

BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court has brought media under the purview of the SIT inquiry into the March 2 violence at the city civil court complex.A special division bench comprising Justices Ajit Gunjal and B V Nagarathna said: "The SIT is also directed to investigate the broadcasting of certain news items by TV channels on March 2 and subsequent days..."."Sensationalism in the form of breaking news and flash news should be curbed," Justice Nagarathna said with regard to media, particularly TV channels.


The bench said: "Truthful dissemination is essential. Broadcasting cannot lead to any adverse impact on the integrity of India and security of the state. The essence of Article 19(1)(a) read with Article 19(2) is to have a free and balanced press and broadcast media. There has to be compliance with professional ethics in the dissemination of information by media, particularly electronic media, without any bias, malice or bringing out a conflict in society. In this regard, the Union government should consider the modalities of regulating broadcasting media, including a mechanism for addressing grievances."


The bench noted that the Cable TV Networks Regulation Act, 1995, has failed to address the issue as it does not include broadcasters. As regards NBSA or NBA, the bench was of the view that they don't possess legal sanctity to be effective.The bench directed the civil court registrar to evolve a system whereby media personnel can report without disturbing anybody. It suggested including a system of accreditation for mediapersons.The team will also look into complaints from lawyers, police personnel and mediapersons. The court asked the state government to provide necessary infrastructure to the team.


While setting up the SIT, the court said "this is no reflection on the state government or local police". Janardhana Reddy was produced before th CBI court. Scores of lawyers, media personnel and police were involved.The violence at the city civil court occurred the day former minister and mining baron G urt. Scores of lawyers, media personnele and police were involved.