Fair court reporting keeps judges in check: Punjab and Haryana High Court closes case against HT

The Punjab and Haryana High Court closed a contempt petition against Hindustan Times' former editor-in-chief and a legal correspondent, emphasizing the importance of fair court reporting. The court highlighted that fair reporting of court verdicts is crucial for the administration of justice and ensures that judges adhere to the law. The case stemmed from a 2014 article alleging that a single-judge of the High Court granted bail to proclaimed offenders in violation of rules. The court ruled that the petition was misconstituted due to the lack of prior consent from the Advocate General and affirmed that fair reporting, even if critical, does not constitute criminal contempt.