Fairness doctrine: Media can't abandon the basic tenets of the profession

An attempt to correct the slide in journalistic standards is thus overdue

While hearing a defamation case last week, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra had some stern and noteworthy words for the media. “We respect freedom of the press,” said the chief justice, “but it has to act responsibly”. He added: “The electronic media can’t think they become Popes overnight.” The implications of Justice Misra’s words are worth examining carefully. They suggest that the news media, and in particular television news, has strained the patience of the higher judiciary in India. This is understandable. As Justice Misra went on to point out, “many in the electronic media think they can write