Speaking at a talk program organized jointly by the Supreme Court and the Constitutional and Judicial Journalists Forum, CJ Shrestha said, "There might be attempts to curtail judicial independence during the constitution drafting process. We should fight to ensure judicial independence under the new constitution."[break]
He reiterated that a free press is impossible in the absence of an independent judiciary. "If there is no independent judiciary, there is no free press. Journalists should understand the mutual relations between the judiciary and media so that both professions can work in a free and fair manner.
Inaugurating the program titled ´Judiciary and Media Relations, Basic Issues and Challenges´, C J Shrestha also urged media professionals to be more objective and fair while disseminating information. "Every freedom has its limitations. Journalism also has certain limitations and journalists shouldn´t forget these and their responsibilities while performing their duties."
SC Justice Kalyan Shrestha urged various sections of society to raise their voices in favor of an independent judiciary. "The judiciary has always been the focus of attack by various political parties," he said, adding, "Only the strongest democratic system can ensure an independent judiciary. Weakening the independent judiciary means weakening free media."
He also stressed that media should be more accountable.
SC Registrar Ram Krishna Timalsena asked journalists to acquire legal knowledge for doing a better job of reporting on judicial issues. "Think twice before you write or disseminate news stories," said Timalsena.
President of Federation of Nepali Journalists Dharmendra Jha thanked the judiciary for its role in protecting and promoting a free media especially after the royal takeover. Nepal Bar Association Chairman Prem Bahadur Khadka and Judicial Council Secretary Jeevan Hari Adhikary asked journalists to verify their facts before writing and disseminating news stories.
Justice Shrestha, Registrar Timalsena, SC Assistant Spokesperson Hemanta Rawal and journalist Bal Krishna Basnet shared their experience of the relations between the judiciary and media. Nearly two dozens journalists participated in the program, and high-ranking judicial officials agreed to organize a special training for journalists covering legal issues. The CJ and the registrar pledged that they would introduce a ´legal glossary´ shortly in a bid to facilitate better legal reporting.
Related story
Freedom of press means freedom in country: NC General Secretary...
