New Delhi: The Supreme Court Thursday refused to expunge critical remarks of the Madras High Court holding the Election Commission responsible for the surge in Covid cases in the country.
A bench headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud acknowledged however that the high court’s remarks were harsh, and at times off the cuff remarks are susceptible to misinterpretation.
The apex court also dismissed the plea that media be restrained from reporting observations of judicial proceedings, saying it will be a retrograde act. It further stated that Article 19 of the Constitution not only gives the right to freedom of speech and expression to people but also confers the same right to media.
On 26 April, the Madras High Court held the EC “singularly” responsible for the spread of the Covid, calling it the “the most irresponsible institution” and even said its officials may be booked under murder charges.
Read the full verdict here:
Also read: How India’s high courts turned Covid warriors as Centre and states faltered