‘We Will Stop Interacting’: HC warns Media over Sensationalising oral remarks

On Friday, the Delhi High Court issued a sharp caution to media platforms over headline-driven reporting of its oral observations, making it clear that it had no intention of proceeding against Newslaundry journalist Manisha Pande and warning that selective amplification of court comments risks chilling judicial engagement in open court.

The clarification came a day after reports spotlighted the court’s oral remarks during hearings in cross-appeals between TV Today and Newslaundry, concerning alleged disparagement and copyright issues.

While the Bench had observed that only one of several challenged videos appeared objectionable, media coverage isolated remarks relating to a video anchored by Pande, circulating them widely on social media and triggering a wave of online backlash, an outcome the court said was neither intended nor warranted.

Justice C Hari Shankar stressed that the court’s comments were never meant to prejudice a journalist’s career, stating, “We are not intending to proceed against her.” Expressing concern over the fallout of decontextualised reporting, the Bench warned that if such consequences persist, “what will happen is that we will stop interacting,” noting that some judges have already chosen silence to avoid misinterpretation.

The court clarified its position on record and emphasised the need for responsible reporting of oral observations, without directing any adverse action against the journalist.

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