Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud has underscored the constitutional significance of press freedom, stating that an independent and free media is indispensable to a democratic society and that the right to question forms the foundation of the rule of law and constitutional governance.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new studio of a digital news platform in New Delhi on Wednesday, the former CJI said that no democracy could function effectively without a free press. He emphasised that freedom of the press was among the highest democratic values and served as an essential pillar of transparency, accountability and the dissemination of information in a constitutional democracy.
Justice Chandrachud stressed that press freedom was accompanied by a corresponding duty of responsibility. He observed that while the media must enjoy editorial independence and freedom of expression, those freedoms should be exercised responsibly and ethically. He cautioned that failure to uphold journalistic responsibility could undermine the very purpose of press freedom.
Responding to a question on the role of young journalists in holding institutions accountable while maintaining accuracy and ethical standards, he said that the right to question was intrinsic to the rule of law and democratic governance. He noted that the Constitution guaranteed citizens the right to question. A free and independent press played a vital role in ensuring institutional accountability, transparency and public scrutiny, added the former CJI.
Addressing the growing challenge of misinformation and fake news in the digital age, Justice Chandrachud urged journalists to adhere to the highest standards of fact verification and accuracy before publishing reports. He advised media professionals not to compromise factual correctness, editorial integrity or professional ethics in pursuit of higher viewership, online engagement or digital traffic, emphasising that credibility remained the cornerstone of responsible journalism.
