Unanimous that there shouldn't be restriction on media reporting: EC

Recognising the positive role played by media in the conduct of all polls in the past and present and in strengthening electoral democracy in India, the Election Commission said that it is unanimous that there should not be a restriction on media reporting.

New Delhi:The Election Commission of India on Wednesday said that it is "unanimous" that there shouldn't be a restriction on media reporting.

In a statement, the EC said it has come across certain press reports concerning its position concerning media. The poll panel said its approach on the collaboration with media is that of a natural ally and remains unchanged.

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"In the context of involvement of media, the Commission wishes to clarify that it stands sincerely committed to its faith in free media. The Commission as a whole and each one of its members recognises the positive role played by media in the conduct of all elections in the past and present and in strengthening electoral democracy in the country. The Election Commission was unanimous that before Supreme Court there should not be any prayer for restriction on media reporting," it said.

Press Note

The Commission very especially recognises the media's role in enhancing the effectiveness of election management and in reinforcing transparency from the very beginning of the election process till the end, including transparent coverage during all processes, campaigning and from polling station level to counting.

"The ECI's approach on the collaboration with media is that of a natural ally and remains unchanged," it said.

Read:|Election Commission moves Supreme Court against Madras HC observations

Earlier, the Election Commission of India had approached the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court order that lambasted the panel for failure to maintain Covid protocol during poll campaigns and said it "should be put up on murder charges" for being the "most irresponsible institution".

A bench of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice MR Shah observed while hearing the Election Commission's complaint about being "castigated without any evidence" by the Madras High Court on political rallies during the state elections held last month said that media cannot be stopped from reporting oral observations made by judges during the hearing as they are also of "public interest".

The top court observed that it cannot tell the High Court judges to confine themselves to pleadings.

ANI

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