The Law Reporters Forum (LRF), an organisation for journalists covering the constitution, human rights, and the judiciary, has submitted a letter to the Chief Justice requesting permission to enter Supreme Court courtrooms to perform their professional duties.
The letter, delivered through the Registrar General on Thursday, urges the chief justice to take necessary measures to remove obstacles preventing journalists from entering both divisions of the Supreme Court.
Signed by LRF President Hasan Jabed and General Secretary Moniruzzaman Mission, the communique emphasises that unhindered access is essential for the collection and dissemination of accurate information.
Public interest and constitutional mandate
The LRF noted that the apex court adjudicates cases of immense constitutional and public importance. As the guardian of the constitution, the court’s observations and decisions regarding the fundamental rights of citizens are of great interest to the general public and litigants alike.
Consequently, legal reporting has become a vital beat, with representatives from various national and international media houses stationed at the Supreme Court daily.
The forum asserted that journalists are committed to providing the public with precise information. They cited Section 352 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Article 35 of the Constitution, which mandate trials in open court.
Furthermore, Article 39 of the Constitution guarantees the freedom of the press.
Legal Precedents and the Fourth Pillar
The letter highlighted that Order 10 of the Supreme Court Rules specifies that judgements and orders must be delivered in open court. It also referenced a 2021 High Court directive instructing subordinate courts to deliver judgements in public.
The LRF maintained that journalists, acting as the “fourth pillar” of the state, play a crucial role as sentinels of justice and have historically supported the independence of the judiciary and the establishment of a separate Supreme Court Secretariat.
Recent restrictions
The LRF expressed deep regret that, since 7 January, journalists have faced bans on entering certain courtrooms in both the Appellate and High Court Divisions. In some instances, they have even been barred from entering the court premises.
This interference is described as contrary to independent journalism and hinders the accurate reporting of legal proceedings.
For over 25 years, journalists have been present in open courts to cover landmark cases, including those involving the 13th and 15th constitutional amendments, the 21 August grenade attack, and crimes against humanity.
The forum previously submitted a letter on 19 January regarding access to the Appellate Division, but the issue remains unresolved.
