Governor calls for settlement of conflict between the media and lawyers

Thiruvananthapuram: Governor of Kerala P. Sathasivam has appealed to the members of the legal and media fraternities in Kerala to settle their differences amicably through dialogue.

In a message, the Governor said that the civil society had high expectations from lawyers and Journalists, as the functions they serve are integral to the maintenance of democracy in the country.

While the legal fraternity strives to ensure justice to the people, the media's presence in courts helps in ensuring the society's right to know. Disputes and disagreements between the two fraternities are certainly not in the best interests of society.

“Therefore, I appeal to the Lawyers and Journalists to settle the matter amicably through dialogue, thereby ensuring a new phase of continued cordiality and mutual respect”.

Minister A. K. Saseendran maintained that the Government had limitations in dealing with the situation legally. Lawyers should desist from infringing freedom of the Presss

KPCC President V. M. Sudheeran said that lawyers preventing journalists from reporting court proceedings amounted to goondaism. Action should be taken against advocates showing criminal behaviour.

He said that the government’s stand was the inspiration the attack on journalists.

Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala said that freedom of the Press should not be allowed to be curtailed.