For an authentic press: on weeding out ‘fake journalists’

In Directives to state government to set up ‘Press Council of Tamil Nadu’ Within three months, the Madras High Court has come close to policy and law making. Its direction is equivalent to that of forming a body and equipping it with powers and functions, something which is generally done by law and after extensive consultation. There is no doubt that this is a well thought out order which seeks to address the problems arising out of the suspicious activities of ‘fake journalists’. In fact, the directions may constitute a remedy for the malpractices highlighted by the Bench in its recent judgment, but it is surprising that such a far-reaching remedy has been created by a judicial direction while disposing of a PIL, which Somewhat unrelated. For the case at hand. The original case, initiated by a man claiming to be a journalist, contained certain allegations against a special team probing the theft of idols from various temples. It was dealt with with a direction to the Idol Wing CID to proceed with the investigation as per law. Since the credibility of the petitioner was in doubt, the bench proceeded to address the larger problem of fraudsters posing as journalists for personal enrichment.

The issues raised by the Bench are quite genuine and require remedial measures. Some who claim to be journalists run letter-pad publications, or even print a few copies of obscure magazines, but spend most of their time using “connections” to make use of the benefits and goodies. dedicate, try and swing transfers and postings; Or be a front for vested interests. Broadly speaking, the court wants state-level ‘press’ to regulate the distribution of identity and recognition cards and accreditation of media bodies, in addition to receiving and settling complaints about media, weeding out ‘fake journalists’. Council’. As of now, the Press Council of India plays the role of a watchdog regarding public grievances, but without any substantive enforcement power. Accreditation and dealing with journalistic bodies are now the functions of the respective governments. A powerful body that would identify and recognize journalists, decide their eligibility for bus and rail passes and welfare measures, as well as act as a grievance authority, would certainly require a statutory framework. Furthermore, a separate body created by executive order may act with excessive enthusiasm and eventually eliminate authentic journalists. Since ‘newspapers, books and printing press’ are in the Concurrent List, the state government needs to examine whether the area is occupied by a central law, and whether it can create a monitoring body, as the court observed. suggested, which covers all forms of media. . It may require carefully weighing your options, including the appeal.