'With Immense Power Comes Burden Of Responsibility': Kerala High Court Asks Media To Refrain From Publishing Unverified/False Information

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday commented on the role of the media in the functioning of a democracy, and its responsibility to provide accurate information to its citizens while disposing of a suo motu case.

A Division Bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice P.G Ajithkumar observed that both given their influence in a vibrant democracy, electronic and print media should refrain from publishing incorrect, biased or unverified information 

"The role of people in a democracy and that of active debate is essential for the functioning of a vibrant democracy. With this immense power, comes the burden of responsibility. With the huge amount of information that they process, it is the responsibility of the media to ensure that they are not providing the public with information that is factually wrong, biased or simply unverified information."

The Court was adjudicating upon a suo motu case it had launched after coming across a news report in a Malayalam daily Kerala Kaumudi alleging that in a temple in Tripunithura, devotees were made to wash the feet of 12 brahmins for the atonement of their sins.

However, upon verification, it was discovered that it was the Tantri and not the devotees who washed the feet of 12 priests as part of the religious rituals.

Finding the news report to be incorrect, the Court made certain significant observations regrading the influence of media in the modern deocracy. It noted that as found by Apex Court, the media is generally called the fourth pillar of democracy and that in all its forms, whether electronic or print, it discharges a very onerous duty of keeping the citizens informed.

The Bench acknowledged the pivotal role played by the media in the information era. 

"The media ensures that the individual actively participates in the decision-making process. The right to information is fundamental in encouraging the individual to be a part of the governing process."

However, it also highlighted the sweeping influence the media has on  people, and how they triggers dialogues and debates over different topics. 

"The impact of media is far-reaching as it reaches not only the people physically but also influences them mentally. It creates opinions, broadcasts different points of view, brings to the fore wrongs and lapses of the Government and all other governing bodies and is an important tool in restraining corruption and other ill-effects of society."

At this juncture, the Court observed that it is the duty and responsibility of the media, be it electronic or print, to ensure that they are not providing the public with information that is factually wrong or based on unverified information.

The matter was disposed of accordingly. 

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Ker) 152

Click Here To Read/Download The Order