SC clarifies circular against reporting on under-trial cases

The Supreme Court (SC) today issued a new circular, clarifying its position on the much-talked about notice it had issued on May 16 against reporting in media on under-trial cases.

Signed by Supreme Court Registrar General Dr. Md. Zakir Hossain, the new circular said Bangladesh Supreme Court always believes in the freedom of media.

“Publishing such reports which can tarnish the image and dignity of the court and can influence the trial proceeding is not expected,” it said, reports BSS.

The Supreme Court administration on May 16 issued a notice, asking media not to make report or broadcast anything on under-trial cases on TV scroll, which created discomfort among the journalists.

Law Minister Anisul Huq, however, tried to defuse the situation, as he on April 19 said there is no bar on media to report on under-trial cases but media shall not publish personal opinions on the cases, whose proceedings are not going on.

After meeting with Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain at the Supreme Court on May 20, he said the Supreme Court administration will soon give a clarification over the circular regarding media reports on under-trial cases.

“We have talked in details in this regard and I Hope the Supreme Court administration will very soon come up with a clarification regarding the misunderstanding that has been created in this regard,” he had said.