Media persons as cross-examiners?

Media persons as cross-examiners?

By Amba Charan Vashishth

According to Press reports, media men in Gujarat have petititoned the Supreme Court of India that the Gujarat Police has shut themselves to media glare and are refusing to talk to them.

What I wish to say or not say on an issue is my right and discretion. Nobody can force me to say something. If Gujarat police -- and for that manner, any individual, public figure or politician -- have something to say on an issue at any time, it is their prerogative or privilege to do so at the right time. They cannot be forced to say something when the media want or press. What they say or not say is their right. Nobody can make anybody say what the other wants. Nobody has a right to put words in the mouth of a person by a media person trying to put loaded questions.

Those who are used to watch our news channels know how our anchors and media persons pester people to say something and try to cross-examine persons concerned. If a person doesn't want to say anything or comment on an issue, they like to know why doesn't he wish to say anything? Is he afraid of somebody? Is he trying to withhold some vital information and the like? Is it reasonable to put such questions and embarrass the individual?

It is true that media persons and news channels are just trying to make their viewers aware of the latest. But do they have the right to interpret in their own way the silence of an individual however important or unimportant he may be? Does the person put a question not have the right to refuse to answer? Is a person duty bound, legally and socially, to say something when he is put a question by some media person?

Are media persons not trying to encroach upon the individual's privacy and right of expression which includes not to say anything?

It is time the media persons also know their limits and recognise the rights and privileges of the individuals whom they wish to put questions. ***