Delhi HC to TV channels: Don't sensationalize 'Toolkit' case

Ruling on the petition filed by 'Toolkit' case accused climate change activist Disha Ravi, the court said that while a journalist cannot be asked to reveal the source, the journalist can ensure that the source is authentic and verifiable.

<p>The Delhi High Court has directed news channel editors to ensure editorial judgement and put out only verified content so the investigation of the police into the 'Toolkit' case is not hampered.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p><p>Ruling on the petition filed by 'Toolkit' case accused climate change activist Disha Ravi, the court said that while a journalist cannot be asked to reveal the source, the journalist can ensure that the source is authentic and verifiable.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>The court noted that recent coverage of the 'Toolkit' probe came across as sensationalist and that media houses were undertaking prejudicial journalism.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>It also noted that it will not restrain coverage of the charge sheet once it has come out.</p>

The Delhi High Court has directed news channel editors to ensure editorial judgement and put out only verified content so the investigation of the police into the 'Toolkit' case is not hampered. 

Ruling on the petition filed by 'Toolkit' case accused climate change activist Disha Ravi, the court said that while a journalist cannot be asked to reveal the source, the journalist can ensure that the source is authentic and verifiable.

The court noted that recent coverage of the 'Toolkit' probe came across as sensationalist and that media houses were undertaking prejudicial journalism.

It also noted that it will not restrain coverage of the charge sheet once it has come out.

<p>To recall, the Delhi High Court had yesterday issued notices to the News Broadcasting Standards Authority and television news channels News 18 and Times Now.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>The notices came after Disha filed a petition against the leak of the 'Toolkit' case FIR.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p><p>The petition also claimed that Disha was being targeted by the Delhi Police and media houses on the basis of the leaked FIR.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>While allowing the Police to conduct press briefings in the case, the court said that leaked investigation material which can prejudice investigation should not be broadcasted.</p>

To recall, the Delhi High Court had yesterday issued notices to the News Broadcasting Standards Authority and television news channels News 18 and Times Now.

The notices came after Disha filed a petition against the leak of the 'Toolkit' case FIR. 

The petition also claimed that Disha was being targeted by the Delhi Police and media houses on the basis of the leaked FIR.

While allowing the Police to conduct press briefings in the case, the court said that leaked investigation material which can prejudice investigation should not be broadcasted.