NEW DELHI: Observing that freedom of the press cannot be used as a cover for irresponsible journalism or content that threatens public order, the Delhi high court has called for a regulatory framework to ensure accountability in the rapidly expanding digital media landscape while safeguarding press freedom.The court said the media’s ability to shape public opinion carries an inherent responsibility to exercise restraint, fairness and respect for citizens’ rights.Justice Girish Kathpalia, in an order passed on July 16, expressed concern over a “significant section of the media” remaining unregulated and unorganised amid the rapid growth of social media and digital platforms.The court noted that it had become increasingly common for “self-styled reporters” to aggressively seek instant reactions from people and portray their silence as an attempt to evade questions, thereby creating misleading narratives and unnecessary public pressure.“Today, virtually anyone armed with a mobile phone and a microphone can proclaim themselves to be a ‘reporter’, often without any journalistic training, ethical grounding, or accountability,” said the court in the judgment passed on July 16.While emphasising that press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and must be zealously protected, the court asserted that the tendency to target or malign a section of society through “selective reporting, sensationalism or unverified allegations” was “equally disturbing”.According to the court, such practices have the potential to deepen social fault lines and even trigger communal discord.“Of course, the freedom of press must remain zealously protected. But, it cannot become a shield for irresponsible journalism, intimidation or the dissemination of content that jeopardises public order. The time has come for the legislature to consider an appropriate regulatory framework that preserves freedom of the press, while ensuring professional accountability, ethical standards, and respect for the rule of law, the rights of citizens and the larger public interest,” observed the court.It added that the time had come for the legislature to consider an appropriate regulatory mechanism that preserves press freedom while ensuring professional accountability, ethical standards and respect for the rule of law and public interest.The observations came while the court was hearing the bail pleas of two men accused of assaulting two freelance journalists working for a YouTube channel in Delhi’s Seemapuri area in July 2025.According to the court, the complainant and his colleague were filming a place of worship allegedly constructed without authorisation when local residents became agitated.The judge described the incident as “apparently a mass fury” and said the precise role of the accused remained a “grey area”.Finding no reason to continue depriving them of their liberty, the court granted bail to both accused on furnishing personal bonds of Rs 10,000 each along with one surety.“Therefore, both these bail applications are allowed and accused/applicants are directed to be released on bail subject to each of them furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs 10,000/- with one surety each,” the court ordered.(With PTI inputs)
