Punjab-Haryana High Court
Dasmesh Pita & Anr vs Press Council Of India & Ors on 25 September, 2014
Author: K. Kannan
Bench: K. Kannan
CWP No.766 of 2014 -1-
IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT
CHANDIGARH
CWP No.766 of 2014
Date of Decision.25.09.2014
Dasmesh Pita and another ......Petitioners
Versus
Press Council of India and others ......Respondents
Present: Mr. Sameer Sachdeva, Advocate
for the petitioners.
Mr. Anil Kumar Sharma, Addl. A.G., Punjab.
Mr. Sehaj Bir Singh, Advocate
for respondent No.4.
CORAM:HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE K. KANNAN
1. Whether Reporters of local papers may be allowed to see the
judgment ?
2. To be referred to the Reporters or not ?
3. Whether the judgment should be reported in the Digest?
-.-
K. KANNAN J. (ORAL)
1. Even as the argument got underway, I suggested to the counsel for the State that they must consider favourably the issue of identity cards to the petitioners who are journalists. What has prevailed against such an exercise is some alleged defamatory statement which the petitioners were reported to have made against doctors which culminated further in an action for criminal prosecution.
2. It is essential that freedom of press is protected with all the zeal and Government cannot allow itself to be influenced by some persons who complain of defamatory statements against the doctors to be denied the usual privileges. The privilege that the State extends by issuing identity cards to the journalists, it ought to be realized, that it is PANKAJ KUMAR 2014.10.06 12:08 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh CWP No.766 of 2014 -2- the 4th estate that is surely an important pillar to the edifice of democracy and freedom of expression and it cannot be treated as capable of bargaining point against fearless reporting against any section of the community.
3. Learned counsel appearing for the State submits that there is no pending application for issue of identity cards and if the same is applied for, they will consider the matter of issuance of the identity card. Even while allowing for such an exercise, I would remind the Government's duty of extending such privilege to journalists and it cannot allow some private complaints to prevail for extending such privilege to journalists. If any application is made for grant of such identity cards by the petitioners, the Government will take decision and do the needful in accordance with law within a period of 4 weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order.
4. The writ petition is disposed of.
(K. KANNAN) JUDGE September 25, 2014 Pankaj* PANKAJ KUMAR 2014.10.06 12:08 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh