Thread by @LiveLawIndia

#CJIDYChandrachud to shortly deliver the keynote address at Ramnath Goenka Excellence In Journalism Awards organised by @IndianExpress. Follow this thread for live updates.

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#CJIDYChandrachud : June 25, 1975 is a defining moment in our history. One proclamation defined and redefined our perceptions of liberty & threats to it...and how tenuous it can be. I was 15 going on 16 when #Emergency was proclaimed.

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#CJIDYChandrachud commends Ramnath Goenka as a 'fearless crusader for freedom'.

"Those fearful times also gave rise to fearless journalists...why we celebrate these awards as symbolising our eternal sense of optimism on which we hope nation will continue."

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#CJIDYChandrachud : I must confess that I am tremendously impressed by journalists today...journalists and lawyers (or judges in my case) share something in common. Both share a belief in the saying 'pen is mightier than the sword'...

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#CJIDYChandrachud : But not only that, journalists and judges also share the occupational hazard of being disliked by virtue of their professions, which is no easy cross to bear...

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#CJIDYChandrachud : My law clerks tell me in recent times, I have been added to this list, and that I better not scroll down Twitter. (laughs)

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#CJIDYChandrachud : Vibrancy of democracy is compromised when press is prevented from speaking truth to power. The press must remain free if the country is to remain a democracy. Newspapers have historically acted as catalysts for social & political change.

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#CJIDYChandrachud : Many newspapers were started by social reformers and political activists during independence struggle, monument to struggle...many journalists work in unfavourable conditions, but are relentless in face of adversity and opposition.

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On disagreements, #CJIDYChandrachud says, "I too find myself disagreeing with many journalists." However, he cautions, disagreements must not distort into hatred, and hatred must not evolve into violence. No society should accept hatred as the new normal.

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#CJIDYChandrachud highlights the importance of media in society, particularly during challenging times, such as #COVID19.

"Plight of migrant labourers, suo motu cognisance of essential services, of Hathras case...Revelations brought to us by media."

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#CJIDYChandrachud : In recent years, we are witnessing a rise in legal journalism. However, selective quoting of speeches and judgements by journalists have become a matter of concern...can distort public understanding of legal issues...

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#CJIDYChandrachud : A comprehensive fact-checking mechanism should be in place. Fake news can guide or misguide millions at once...in contradiction to fundamentals of democracy...biased reporting can create tensions between communities globally.

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#CJIDYChandrachud : There is a need to bridge the gap between truth and lie. Fake news has the capability of creating tensions between communities, thereby endangering democratic values of fraternity.

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#CJIDYChandrachud talks about Madrid Principles on media and judicial independence in connection to media trials.

"It is the job of the media to convey information to public before, during & after trial, without violating presumption of innocence."

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#CJIDYChandrachud concludes, "Responsible journalism is the engine that drives democracy forward to a better tomorrow. In a digital age, it is more important than ever for journalists to be accurate, impartial, responsible, and fearless in their reporting."

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