CJ stresses positive relations between judiciary, press

Chief Justice SK Sinha yesterday said democracy was meaningless if the freedom of speech and press was not ensured.

He said this while addressing as the chief guest the launch of new daily the "Dainik Protidiner Sangbad" at Bangla Academy in the capital.

"The role of newspapers is immense in a democratic system. The genuine beauty of a democratic social system is the freedom of speech and freedom of individual. Without the freedom of newspapers, democracy is meaningless," he said.

Sinha also underscored the need for forging positive relations between the judiciary and the press.

The media has been rendering its continuous support to the judiciary by publishing time-befitting news on the judicial processes, thus playing an important role in the reforms of the judiciary, he added.

He, however, noted that some newspapers created confusions among people by publishing biased, unethical and personally motivated news items.

"On many occasions, judges and people seeking justice are embarrassed due to media trial which is uncalled for and unexpected," he said, adding, "The judiciary is not even immune to mistakes. I hope the media will do constructive and fair criticism about the activities of the judiciary…"

The newspaper's publisher Md Tajul Islam, MP, and editor Abu Sayeed Khan were also present.