Chaini Parwani –
Published On: December 11, 2021 at 10:10 IST
The Supreme Court observed that there should be an improvement in the Public Discourse, peculiarly in the age of Social Media.
A Bench comprising of by Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MM Sundresh stated “It is undoubtedly the Debasement in the dialogue which is taking place which needs introspection from the political class across the Country. In a country which prides itself on its Diversity, there are bound to be different perceptions and opinions, which would include Political Opinions. That is the very essence of a Democracy.”
Further the Bench while mourning the dwindle of quality public speech highlighted the significance of different perceptions to be carried and expressed in a better language, despite of certain exchanges that may get heated up.
The Court noted that, State force should never be used to either browbeat a political opinion or the journalists suffer the consequences of what is already in the public domain.
The pronouncement came into light after First Information Reports (FIR) were lodged against Editors and Journalists of web portal OpIndia by the West Bengal Police.
OpIndia Editor Nupur J Sharma, her husband Vaibhav Sharma, Portal Founder and CEO Rahul Roushan, and the former Editor of its Hindi division Ajeet Bharti were charged against promoting enmity between Religious Groups, outraging religious feelings, Attempt to provoke Breach of Peace and Defamation
Furthermore, the Court stated “We must appreciate the stand taken by the State Government and allay any apprehension of the that it may be perceived in a negative sense in public domain. If at all, the stand is to be appreciated of better late than never and should be a model for others to follow.”