Self-regulation by news channels not adequate: Justice Nagarathna

The current system of self-regulation being followed by news channels is not adequate as it binds only those broadcasters who are willing to be a part of the association or submit to its jurisdiction, said Supreme Court judge B V Nagarathna while cautioning that any supervision whether under a self-regulatory mechanism or otherwise, “must not effectively turn into control” and “stifle free speech”.

Speaking at the Business Standard Seema Nazareth awards event on Saturday, Justice Nagarathna said that a free press must play a “constructive role” and “attacking the government and constantly playing devil’s advocate for the mere sake of it, must not become its singular objective”.