KOCHI: Kerala Governor and former Chief Justice P Sathasivam said fair and fearless working conditions should be ensured for journalists at all courts in the State.
The Governor appealed to both journalists and lawyers to arrive at a peaceful agreement on the issue, considering the significant roles the two sections play in a democratic setup. The issue should be settled amicably.
Speaking after inaugurating the golden jubilee annual day celebrations of the foundation stone laying of the Ernakulam Press Club here on Friday, the Governor said, “I am ready to intervene in the matter.”
Recalling the steps he had taken to provide basic facilities to mediapersons - both accredited and non-accredited - for covering Supreme Court proceedings, the Governor said mediapersons should be provided restrooms and the required facilities at courts.
Sathasivam said pendency of petitions in the Supreme Court was not a hindrance to settle the dispute involving lawyers and journalists. The common can access judgements only through media reports. Even the Supreme Court wants disputes to be settled at the High Court level itself. Reporting court proceeding is an integral part of the democratic process. Any curb on dissemination of information would harm it, resulting in autocratic rule.
Though there are efforts from various quarters to settle the current issue, it has not been solved yet, leaving the public in the darkness about court proceedings. Even verdicts with wider implications remain unknown to the public. Sathasivam further urged mediapersons to maintain dignity and decorum in courts while carrying out their professional duty. “Journalists must have free access in all courts - both High Courts and subordinate courts,” he said, and stressed the importance of publishing court orders online on a daily basis.
The Governor said he would try to solve the issue by holding discussions with lawyers, judges and mediapersons.
On the occasion, Sathasivam presented the PS John Endowment Award to P V Maneesh, who had fought against terrorists during the Mumbai attack. Speaking at the function earlier, K V Thomas MP had sought the Governor’s intervention to protect freedom of the press in judicial houses.