Freedom of expression is the most abused freedom in recent times, the Supreme Court observed on Thursday.
Chief Justice of India SA Bobde approved the remarks while listening to a slew of petitions, claiming that a section of the media demonized Muslims through the way they reported on the Tablighi Jamaat issue.
Lead attorney Dushyant Dave, who appeared before the petitioners, including Jamiat Ulema I Hind, had objected to part of the central government affidavit. He stated that the petitioners are trying to muzzle freedom of expression by attacking the media.
In response, the bank, led by the CJI, said that everyone has the right to say what they feel and believe.
“As you have the right to say many things, they are also. We must also tell you that freedom of expression is the most abused freedom in recent times,” added Judge Bobde.
However, the hearing could not continue because the court was displeased that a junior level officer filed the affidavit on behalf of the government in the matter.
The CJI told Attorney General Tushar Mehta: “You cannot treat this court the way you are treating it. Some of your junior officers, some additional clerk, have submitted the affidavit which is completely evasive.”
When Mehta presented that he will make a senior official file a better affidavit, the CJI further said: “You make the secretary of this department file an affidavit without making such absurd statements as if the petitioners have not shown any cases of misinformation in the media. “
The court also asked the government to record all relevant statutes regarding the regulation of television channels.
The case will be heard after two weeks.
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