August 13, 2024 • Makkal Adhikaram
On behalf of the People’s Power Magazine and the website of the Kerala High Court, on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Journalists Federation, we heartily appreciate the fact that the Kerala High Court gives importance to the freedom of the press, respects democracy and protects the rights and freedom of the people and the press and journalists should not be allowed unnecessary defamation cases. Also, in Kerala
The Kerala High Court has directed the lower courts not to allow unnecessary defamation cases against newspapers and journalists.
A woman councillor of Aluva municipality in Kerala has filed a defamation case against the editor and journalist of the Malayala Manorama daily in the Aluva Judicial Magistrate’s Court.
A petition was filed in the Kerala High Court on behalf of the Malayala Manorama daily seeking quashing of the criminal case.
The press is the fourth pillar of Indian democracy. The role of the press and media in disseminating to the public about the day-to-day happenings and significant developments in the country is immense.
Filing unwarranted defamation proceedings against newspapers and journalists under Sections 499 and Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code is a violation of the freedom of the press and the right of people to know the news. It is high time to warn the lower courts through this case.
Defamation case quashed:
The trial courts in particular should be vigilant in the future while considering defamation charges against the press and journalists in general.
The defamation case pending in the Aluva court against Malayala Manorama, its editor and journalist for publishing news about a woman municipal councillor in this case is uncalled for.
Restricting press freedom will be seen as mob rule. Freedom of the press and the right of the people to know about the important development of the country must go hand in hand to maintain the balance of democratic principles in a democratic country. Obstructing that freedom of the press would lead to individual mob rule. This is stated in the order.
