Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court on Monday said that it doesn't want to demoralise High Courts as they are vital pillars of democracy. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud observed that critical remarks like those made by the Madras High Court against the Election Commission are often made in an open dialogue between the bar and bench.
"We are looking at this from a long term and impact on functioning of high courts. we don't want to demoralise our high courts. they are vital pillars of our democracy. Things are often said in an open dialogue between bar and bench," Justice Chandrachud said.
The top court said seeking relief that media should not report on observations is 'too far fetched' and it should be able to report everything to create accountability. It said that the media is an important and powerful watchdog in democracy and cannot be stopped from reporting discussions in higher courts.
The Election Commission had moved the Supreme Court on Saturday, challenging the critical observations made by the Madras High Court holding it responsible for a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, saying the remarks were "uncalled for, blatant and disparaging".
The Madras HC had, on April 26, castigated the EC for the surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of the pandemic, holding it "singularly" responsible for the spread of the viral disease. It even called the commission the "the most irresponsible institution" and said its officials may be booked under murder charges.
