Role of media in good governance stressed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 28 2024: Deliberations on the crucial roles and responsibilities of the media in ushering in good governance brought the curtains down on the two-day media workshop organised by the Khelen Thokchom Trust (KTT) in connection with the 64th birth anniversary of senior journalist late Khelen Thokchom held at Manipur Press Club here on Monday.

The technical session on the last day was held on the theme 'legal reporting' with trust advisor Irengbam Arun as the moderator, and Editors' Guild of Manipur (EGM) secretary Yumnam Rupachandra and advocate Hijam Chandrakumar as resource persons.

Speaking on the occasion, advocate Chandrakumar highlighted the roles and responsibilities of media in bringing good governance as the fourth estate of democracy.

Media is one of the most effective and reliable mediums for creating awareness among the people, which will help in bringing equality in the society, he observed.

According to Chandrakumar, the High Court of Manipur is only about 11 years old but its legal reporting is progressive.

He, however, noted that the state still lags in legal reporting as compared with the rest of the country.

Legal reporting does not necessarily confines to reporting rulings and judgments.

It may also include several issues including lack of legal infrastructure, explained the resource persons, while also shedding light on the shortage of judicial officers in the state and calling for inducting more officers.

Further informing that Imphal West courts of district and sessions judge, and the civil judge senior division are among the busiest courts in the state, he maintained that when it comes to legal reporting concerning court judgment, expressing disagreement is a democratic norm.

However, as scandalising the court in reporting such incidents and writings that amount to personal attack on the judge are offences, one should exercise caution in legal reporting so that there is no misquotation, sensationalism, wrongful interpretation or hurting the dignity of the court, as well as avoid giving judgement to any ongoing trial, he elaborated.

Meanwhile, Yumnam Rupachandra highlighted the challenges faced by the media including intimidation by law enforcement agencies, pointing out the risks that journalists face when held responsible for situations beyond their control.

In response, the media community in the state has established a dedicated cell aimed at countering these challenges and safeguarding press freedom, he added.

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