If every citizen becomes a journalist, it will create problems for all, says SC

“Will require a detailed examination whether the right to freedom of expression will empower every citizen of this country to be a journalist” the court said.

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Thursday said it will be problematic if every citizen becomes a journalist as PILs sought protection of the right to freedom of expression of freelancers, independent journalists and reel-makers who descend in large numbers at protest venues already teeming with hordes of accredited reporters from registered media houses.Senior advocate Indira Jaising complained to a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi that Delhi Police did not recognise independent and freelance journalists covering the protests and insisted on Press Information Bureau (PIB) accreditation. She said there must be a national protocol for police not to obstruct the professional work of any journalist who has an identity card from the employer.CJI Kant, however, struck a note of caution. “We must also keep one thing in mind. If everyone starts becoming a journalist, it will create problems for every other person,” he said. Justice Bagchi said, “It will require a detailed examination whether the right to freedom of expression will empower every citizen of this country to be a journalist. That is difficult. There are layers of protection for accredited journalists, those employed in registered media houses or whether they are freelance journalists, influencers or reel-makers.

”CJI Kant said, “The issue requires detailed examination — whether there should be a certain category of journalists to whom extra level of protection should be given.” Justice Bagchi added, “The Working Journalists Act makes classes among journalists. We must examine all that.”Solicitor general Tushar Mehta said in the present era of digital technology, any person with a mobile phone could claim to be an independent or freelance journalist when he/she would, in fact, be only making reels to garner popularity on social media to earn money by either presenting one-sided stories or sensationalising incidents.Mehta supported the contention that women journalists should not be harrassed, but argued that the same consideration should be extended to women police personnel as well.