Journalistic Mandate

So.. lately, judiciary has been trying to curb the media freedoms. Rpeorting and journalism has come leeway so far as Executive and Legislature is concerned but the judiciary has always been sensitive about media reportings.

A few days ago, I read in a magazine and in the newspapers, that the Supreme Court of India has taken steps and is going to frame some guidelines for "Reporting Protocols" that is to be adopted by the reporters during the premises of the Court. The court has decided that the reporters must hav minimum qualifications(in law) on the lines of understanding and appreciating various nuances of legal fraternity. The reporting media however is appalled by such a measure taken by the SC of India.

now. . CAUSES of coming up with such a Reporting Protocols -

#1 -- The SC feels that the reporting media is harsh and is inconsiderate while reporting about the trails going on the court. (Media is known for exaggerating, sesnsationalism, prior judgement even before the court decides on a judgment...all this is misleading to people and insulting to the Honorable SC)

#2 -- The bench expressed it's concerns over the media which has been trying trials of the pending criminal cases.

#3 -- The SC says that the media creates a mindset about what is right and wrong, whereas it's the judiciary's job to do that!

#4 -- Sometimes the judge's image is tarnished and all sorts of motives are attributed to him, and his judgement itself becomes suspect in the eyes of the public.

...BUT BUT

The reporting media aka the Press Council of India are defending themselves under the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression against article 21..right to life.

Right to Freedom of Speech is the sine qua non of any democratic country.

So...what are yor views on SC taking such a step against the media?? I just am confused, because, on one hand -- there's right to freedom of speech/expression which CANNOT be questioned. And there's also the judiciary which needs to be secure from the media reportings, especially on sensitive issues. It's bad when the media does it's own trials and gives it's own judgement without respecting the insititution of Judiciary..and it also causes unnecessary consternation because of the exaggerated manner in which media usually reports. Not only exaggeration, the media in India is known for sensationalism, for making false statements and mistaken judgements...and it's even more horrible when media does this on the premises of the court trials !

Is the SC right in coming up with a guidelines of "reporting protocols"?

What about Right to Freedom of Speech??

The judiciary has a long commendable record of upholding the the right to freedom of speech(ironically) . Now, it's trying to curb 'em. just WTH is the right thing to do?