The Delhi High Court has constituted a committee to look into media reporting from courts, and among the issues being considered is the (recently) controversial issue of live tweeting from courts, reports LiveLaw, which spotted the notice. The committee has sought comments from the general public within 21 days (of 31st of August)...so, by the 21st of September. The notice is available here. No emails, it seems, but there is a google form that you may fill out, here. This is important, because it will enable better reporting from court, especially live reporting on important issues, and we encourage MediaNama readers to file their responses. Urgently, though. MediaNama's submission is here. A few points 1. Lawyers versus journalists: At the core of this issue is the problem that Lawyers are allowed to carry mobile phones in court, while journalists are not, and lawyers have been live tweeting court proceedings. This gives lawyers a disproportionate advantage over journalists, while reporting from court. The other issue is that lawyers are always closer to the action, and - and I cant understand this - but almost all judges invariably (and infuriatingly) refuse to use the microphones placed in front of them. 2. Misreporting: There are genuine challenges of someone misreporting of court proceedings while live tweeting, which can impact the perception of what is going on. Lawyers are likely to be more careful than others, because, lets face it, arguments are long and complex in courts, and it takes a bit of experience to…
