“He (Yedyurappa) was condemned unheard as the Lokayukta violated principles of natural justice by not issuing notice to him before making the accusation,” said a division bench of the Karnataka High Court.
“Even during the arguments on the petition, a specific question was put to counsel for the Lokayukta to produce any material to connect the petitioner with the alleged offence but he was mum,” the court said, adding, “Suspicion cannot be a ground to tarnish the image and reputation of a person holding a constitutional post.”
Can there be a clearer eye opener, a more damning indictment than this for media? Read the full article by Akshaya Mishra in First Post.
Remember how Santosh Hegde conducted Press Conference before even releasing the report.
Remember how media lapped up this report.
Remember the backdrop in which the report was released. Congress's image was battered by a spate of massive corruption cases-2G, Common Wealth, Adarsh. Lokpal agitation and public opinion were pushing it to the corner. Exploiting this report was clearly in the interest of Congress. It would be naive to assume that media was not aware of this.
It was pointed out at that time that BSY was not given a chance to represent his side. But who had the time for such irrelevant niceties? Why did media not do its research before breaking the news?
Can it not be concluded now that an immature and perhaps motivated media reporting prematurely sealed the fate of BSY? All it will take in future to topple governments is to 'motivate' the media. Does media deserve this larger than life role?
It is not anybody's case that BSY is innocent; he may or may not be; it is just that he was not given a chance to defend himself. When Barkha Dutt featured in Nira Radia tapes, she had the luxury of defending herself and continuing in her office. Why should this luxury be denied to politicians?
Let us for a moment assume that media inadvertently reported this story. Is it not the moral duty of the media now to express regret?
I have read many blogs also ridiculing BSY based on the basis of ill-informed media reports. A clear lesson for bloggers too- research before blogging.
Time clearly for introspection by media.
(A year ago Team Anna projected Lokapal and Lokayuktas as the one stop solution for all of India's problems. Time to review that also!)
It is not anybody's case that BSY is innocent; it is just that he was not given a chance to defend himself. When Barkha Dutt featured in Nira Radia tapes, she had the luxury of defending herself and continuing in her office. Why should this luxury be denied to politicians?
ReplyDeleteAGREE SIR 100%.
It is Unfair to compare Burkha and BSY, their cases are entirely different.
BSY is a person who can change the sides, he is powerful person to shift the witness and crystal clearly it looks that he had committed mistakes.
Giving him a chance to defend - i accept that.
Did burkha reported a CHEST pain on the verge of arrest?(imagine)
It is fair to give an innocent a chance to defend.
Question is- BSY an innocent? HELL NO.
Thanks Deepak. BSY's politics is something to be condemned. BTW Barkha did not report a chest pain because there was no threat of arrest!
Deletehehe :) may be :D
DeleteBut the current BJP fiasco is ruining their scopes for next LS election.
sometimes i feel like India doesn't have a opposition party :(
It's hard for us sitting here to pass judgement on whether someone is innocent or not. However, it's true that EVERYONE should be given the right to defend themselves.
DeleteSome people choose not to because they know even condemning their actions won't cause them trouble... But that doesn't deny them the right! Then again, our media is as greedy as the rest of the world for a hot story. They'll publish first and then check a story's credibility...
Yes, you are right; the purpose of the post was not to establish the innocence or otherwise of Yeddi but to point out the irresponsible behaviour of journalists. Unfortunately facts and research have been relegated to the background by current day journalists.
DeleteBarkha Dutt featured in Nira Radia tapes???? Ghosh! I never knew this. I am just not in sync with politics. Feel ashamed to accept it but I feel sad most of the times when I realize we are ruled by a pack of jokers. Thanks for the post Sir.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I can understand- some have interest in politics while others don't.
Deleteso many unknown facts... or the facts which we knew and tried to ignore them.. :)
ReplyDeleteAbolutely....
DeleteYedi is power crazy.
ReplyDeleteI agree...but coming to think of it, who is not?
Deletewith internet...the is hardly a line between fact and fiction..nice post sir
ReplyDeleteThanks for the views.
DeleteFor the first time I am seeing a blog post that express a view that is not aligned with popular media. In the present political scenario it is difficult to keep your hands clean.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Popular media has a lot of dirt to clean. It is held as holy cow now.
DeleteIndeed its time for media to show maturity and responsibility.
ReplyDeleteIt is a question of how long we have to wait for media to shoe responsibility.
DeleteThank you very much..sir
ReplyDeleteBlogger
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i dont want to comment on the issue as what we get to hear and see is through the media only,no one gets to the true story but the media certainly has become hyperactive over a period of time and they do twist the story acoording to their need to sell which is condemnable. http;//alkanarula.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks. I understand and agree with you. I was also not trying to judge whether Yeddi is innocent or not; I was examining the role of media in this case. As I am writing this reply another instance of media irresponsibility has come to light- Norway couple and their children case.
DeleteThanks again.