Media is powerful watchdog in democracy, cannot be stopped from reporting discussions in Higher Courts: SC tells EC

The Supreme Court on Monday observed that media is powerful watchdog in democracy and cannot be stopped from reporting discussions in higher courts.Hearing on Election Commission’s plea against Madras HC order, Supreme Court said, “Often something is said due to past experience or after a series of orders not being adhered to. Everything cannot be in order.”

SC told Election Commission that media cannot be stopped from reporting oral observations.

SC further said that it take into account EC’s grievance, and to best of their abilities, try to balance between rights of poll panel and HCs.

This comes after Madras High Court had earlier said that Election Commission should be charged with murder.

“Sometimes we are harsh because we want to see, in larger public interest, something is done. After a series of orders, high court may be anguished. Look at Gujarat, 18 people died in fire at Covid-19 ward & this in spite of series of orders where fire NoC is required,” SC said.

Supreme Court concluded hearing on Election Commission’s plea challenging Madras HC order wherein it criticized the poll panel for failure to maintain COVID-19 protocols during poll campaigns. The court said it will pass the order expeditiously this week.