SC stays Meghalaya HC order convicting Shillong Times editor of contempt-APUWJ welcomes
The APUWJ welcomes SC order for staying Meghalaya HC order convicting Shillong times editor, publisher in contempt case,
Itanagar
The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) welcomes Friday’s Supreme Court order staying the Meghalaya High Court’s order to the editor and publisher of the Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim and Shobha Chaudhuri in a contempt of court.
The top court stayed the operation of the judgement by which the Meghalaya high court had imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh each on the editor and the publisher.
The case is relates to an article published by the paper on the perks and facilities for retired judges and their families.
The high court had also said that if the two persons failed to deposit the amount, they will have to undergo six months simple imprisonment and the paper will be banned.
A Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, also issued notice to the high court registrar on the appeal filed by the editor and the publisher of newspaper.
The high court had on March 8 sentenced the editor and the publisher to sit in the corner of the court room till the rising of the court in the contempt case.
The Shillong Times is a reputed publication of the state. The APUWJ believes that even the ceasing of publications that may have their own leanings and editorial stance is ultimately a threat to journalism. Whether we agree or disagree with a view, it is our duty to let another have an opinion on an issue.
Democracy is enriched by the different dissenting voices and the closure of a newspaper only weakens a country. It is heartening to learn that the Supreme Court has shown maturity in its handling of the case and has struck down the order.
