Editors Guild concerned over Meghalaya HC censuring Shillong Times editor
The Editors Guild of India yesterday expressed "grave concern" over the Meghalaya High Court censuring the editor of a leading daily in the state, saying the judiciary "should stand by the media in helping it discharge its functions in an independent manner." The Shillong Times Editor Patricia Mukhim was censured by the high court on Thursday for publishing an article about a court order.
Mukhim censured for publishing an article on a court order
Mukhim's article talked about how the court order was seeking perks and facilities for retired judges and their families. Mukhim and publisher Shoba Chaudhuri, who appeared in person before Justice S R Sen, were asked to turn up before Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir this week, even after they apologized for the article. In reaction, The Editors Guild of India issued a statement yesterday.
'Judges, tolerant of criticism, are the need of the hour'
"It's unfortunate that an editor has been summoned by the Meghalaya High Court for what appears to be a factual news report," the Guild said in its statement. "Such contempt notices are regrettable and will be seen as judicial intimidation of the media. Judges, who have broad shoulders and are tolerant of criticism, are the need of the hour," it added.
