‘Anyone With Mobile Is Reporter Today, Press Freedom Can't Shield Irresponsible Journalism’: Delhi HC
‘Anyone With Mobile Is Reporter Today, Press Freedom Can't Shield Irresponsible Journalism’: Delhi HC Published By, Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 12:12 IST The High
‘Anyone With Mobile Is Reporter Today, Press Freedom Can't Shield Irresponsible Journalism’: Delhi HC Published By, Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 12:12 IST The High Court said that some "self-styled reporters" tend to aggressively question people and create misleading narratives. Rapid Read Delhi High Court. (File photo) The Delhi High Court has observed that that while freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy, it cannot be used as a shield for irresponsible journalism, intimidation or the dissemination of content that jeopardises public order. A bench of Justice Girish Kathpalia made the observations while granting bail to two men accused of assaulting two freelance YouTube reporters who were recording a video near an allegedly illegally constructed place of worship in Delhi’s Seemapuri area in July 2025. The High Court noted that the rapid growth of social media and digital platforms has resulted in a largely unregulated section of the media, where virtually anyone with a mobile phone and microphone can claim to be a reporter. “Today, virtually anyone armed with a mobile phone and a microphone can proclaim themselves to be a ‘reporter’, often without any journalistic training, ethical grounding, or accountability," Justice Kathpalia said as quoted by Bar and Bench.
The High Court said that some “self-styled reporters" tend to aggressively question people, create misleading narratives and resort to selective reporting or unverified allegations, which can deepen social divisions, inflame passions and even trigger communal disharmony or public disorder. “Of course, the freedom of press must remain zealously protected. But, it cannot become a shield for irresponsible journalism, intimidation or the dissemination of content that jeopardizes public order," the bench said. Observing that media carries the responsibility of shaping public opinion, the court said journalists must exercise restraint, fairness and responsibility. It added that “the time has come" for the legislature to consider an appropriate regulatory framework that preserves press freedom while ensuring ethical standards, accountability and respect for the rule of law. “The time has come for the legislature to consider an appropriate regulatory framework that preserves freedom of press, while ensuring professional accountability, ethical standards, and respect for the rule of law, the rights of citizens and the larger public interest," it said. What’s The Case? The observations came during the hearing of bail pleas filed by accused Abid Ali and Fukran, who were arrested in connection with the alleged assault on two freelance YouTube reporters. According to the prosecution, the reporters were attacked by a mob while filming a video, and their camera battery and mobile phones were allegedly snatched.
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