Media Watch

This column will carry a brief report and analysis of the editorials, carried by major newspapers during the preceding month to understand on what issues the media most commonly commented upon, which were part of national discourse and how human rights or rights perspective reflected in them.
Issues related to human rights and that too the interventions of the Supreme Court dominated most of the editorial comments during the month of March, 2018. The most commonly commented upon issue was the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court reiterating 'Right to die with dignity' as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and paving the way for passive euthanasia. The 7 major English newspapers, by and large, welcomed the verdict but also raised several questions relating to the applicability of 'living will' vis-a-vis passive euthanasia. The Indian Express wrote, "The living will guarantees freedom and dignity, but it faces complex issues, which must be ironed out in use." The Times of India wrote, "Living will elevates passive euthanasia….. choosing not to prolong once life artificially is a human right."
The breach of privacy of individuals due to the leakage of personal data of Facebook users to 'the Cambridge Analytica' also saw the edits in 7 major newspapers. All suggested tough regulation for each tech mega firms to control the abuse of personal data and privacy violations. The Hindu wrote, "The controversy is a wake-up call to press ahead with a robust data professional law". The Indian Express wrote, "Data breach debate should lead to simplified terms of service for Apps to help users understand, what they sign up for." As a natural corollary, this debate was followed by 5 editorials on Aadhaar data security, the ongoing case in the matter before the Supreme Court's and other related aspects. The Times of India wrote, "UIDAI, Central and State Governments & Companies must reveal all their plans for Aadhaar." The Pioneer commented, "one of the most pertinent and common issues with the Aadhaar system is not so much its security but whether it works seamlessly."
The guidelines issued by the Supreme Court curbing the role of 'Khap Panchayats' , which prevent two consenting adults from marriage, received comments in the editorials of 5 major English newspaper. The Hindu wrote, "The Supreme Court guidelines are welcome but we need a strong law on honour crimes." The Economic Times said, "For defying centuries-old custom, more than Supreme Court guidelines is required…. The State must enforce individual liberty in marital choice."
The Apex Court verdict for amendment in the SC/ST Act, in order to prevent the abuse of law, was also editorially commented by 5 newspapers. The Indian Express said, "Apex Court's order in SC/ST Act lets down most marginalized, ignores social context of law, it must be re-visited." The Pioneer said, "It is also traumatic when innocents are framed. The Hindu said, "Protection of innocent persons is fine as long as the SC/ST Act is not de-fanged." The Times of India said, "But the reality is that the stringent provision of the Act- which deny pre-arrest bail, have been misused on several occasions."
The Supreme Courts' verdict upholding Hadiya's right to choose her faith and life partner was commented upon by the 4 major newspapers. The Times of India wrote, "The Supreme Court has ended the sham that deprived Hadiya of her liberties." The Pioneer said, "The Supreme Court has set the right precedent." 3 newspapers wrote editorials on International Women's Day and underscored challenges being faced by women protecting their honour, self respect, security, rights and recognition. The Economic Times wrote, "It might be good idea to start a convention for all centres of regulation, whether board rooms or government departments, to issue a report card on the progress made in empowering women in the last one year," in order to go beyond the formalities of assorted calls for women empowerment."
'Maharashtra's farm crises also saw 5 edits. The Hindustan Times said, "Piecemeal solutions won't solve it." The Economic Times said, "Debt waiver cannot yield lasting rural prosperity." Almost all the papers were, by and large, of the view that Maharashtra's farmers represent a larger crisis in agriculture sector of the country, which is needed to be addressed. The issue of the death of the 39 Indian Citizens in Iraq was commented by 5 newspapers. Some hailed the handling of the issue by the Government and the others felt it could have been better but almost all were unanimous that there is a need for adequately informing the job seekers about the challenges abroad.
The death of a famous scientist Stephen Hawkings, National Health Protection Mission, climate change, plastic in water bottles, world water day, draft forest policy, labour reforms, child abuse in schools, child marriages, Supreme Court setting up the Constitution Bench to examine the practices of polygamy and nikah halala, Union cabinet's move to ban commercial surrogacy in India, right to education etc were some other topics of editorial comments during the month of March, 2018 with a rights perspective.