“Right of privacy vis-a-vis right of information to be furnished to the general public should be with reference to the kind of information which the law permits. Constitution does not guarantee absolute freedom or absolute protection to the media.”
As a word of caution, the judges said media should concentrate on other socially relevant issues than writing about individuals.
They said the media attention should be towards exposing corruption, nepotism, law breaking, abuse or arbitrary exercise of power, law and order, economy, health, science and technology etc., which are matters of public interest.
“The ‘Lakshman Rekha' should be that publication of comments/information should not invade the privacy of an individual, unless, outweighed by bona fide and genuine public interest,” the judges said.
