'With Immense Power Comes Burden Of Responsibility': Kerala High Court Asks Media To Refrain From Publishing Unverified/False Information

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday commented on the role of the media in the functioning of a democracy, and its responsibility to provide accurate information to its citizens while disposing of a suo motu case.A Division Bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice P.G Ajithkumar observed that both given their influence in a vibrant democracy, electronic and print media should refrain. The Kerala High Court on Wednesday commented on the role of the media in the functioning of a democracy, and its responsibility to provide accurate information to its citizens while disposing of a suo motu case. A Division Bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice P.G Ajithkumar observed that both given their influence in a vibrant democracy, electronic and print media should refrain from publishing incorrect, biased or unverified information "The role of people in a democracy and that of active debate is essential for the functioning of a vibrant democracy. At this juncture, the Court observed that it is the duty and responsibility of the media, be it electronic or print, to ensure that they are not providing the public with information that is factually wrong or based on unverified information.