A High Court (HC) bench yesterday rejected a petition seeking contempt rule against a Bangla daily, saying the judiciary is not above criticism and should not be too sensitive either. It also observed that democratic and constitutional institutions cannot flourish without freedom of press.
Responding to the petition for contempt proceedings against the Daily Manabzamin, the court said it would not issue any suo moto (contempt) rule. The press is free and the HC does not intend to interfere. The Bangla tabloid in a report on Wednesday questioned qualifications and integrity of judges and accused them of political leanings. Barrister Masud Reza Sobhan on behalf of Advocate Tasadduk Hasan filed the petition on Wednesday and the hearing took place yesterday. |