INDRAPRASTHA PEOPLE Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We are concerned in the instant writ petition with a social debate; and we need to caution that sometimes an ongoing social debate becomes a major ethical issue with no clear perspective in sight.

(2.) The ageing Indian conservatism blames the intrusion of the Western culture into the Indian ethos for all the problems we find in the societal behaviour. On the other hand, the assertive, new liberal sensibility haughtily blames a monolithic idea of the past, especially religion, for its persistent objectification, or some may call it itemization.

(3.) An independent mass media is undoubtedly one of the many important foundations of a democratic society. Philosophers and statesmen often measure the democratic credentials of a state with reference to the degree of independence enjoyed by the media. Media had always been considered as an organ of thought, character and refinement. But of late, public concern on the freedom enjoyed by the media has become a matter of debate. There have been instances when the broadcast media i.e. television channels have used unethical means to attract viewership; for increased viewership in turn leads to high flow of revenue through advertisements. Questionable methods and tactics are deployed in the hope of easy gains and quick popularity. Many believe that in the desperate rush to 'grab eye balls' truth becomes a casualty.