New Delhi: The Supreme Court bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), SA Bobde, on Thursday said the Freedom of speech may be one of the most abused rights in recent times. The bench was considering a plea filed by the Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind and others challenging the communalizing coverage of COVID-19 by media after the Talibaghi Jamaat incident in Delhi.
Earlier, the court had instructed the centre to file a report on the matter. However, the bench on Thursday reprimanded the government for filing an evasive report and denying of such instances.
"You can't treat this court the way you are treating. Some of your junior officer, an additional secretary has filed the affidavit," said CJI Bobde.
"You have the secretary of this department to file an affidavit without making such nonsensical averments like the petitioners haven't shown any instance of bad media reporting," added the CJI.
Objecting to the centre not taking any step against the media, the court directed the government to file another affidavit mentioning all the Acts under which they have exercised their powers against false reportage and what they have to say on such reporting incidents.
They adjourned the case for two weeks.
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