The Supreme Court of India, led by CJI DY Chandrachud, has abolished the law degree requirement for journalists seeking accreditation. This decision aims to make legal reporting more inclusive, allowing a broader range of journalists to access Supreme Court facilities. The CJI emphasized this change
In a significant move to promote inclusivity and broaden access to legal reporting, the Supreme Court of India has removed the mandate for having a law degree as a criterion for accreditation as a legal correspondent. This decision, spearheaded by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, aims to expand opportunities for journalists covering the Supreme Court, providing them with access to essential facilities within the court premises.
During a pre-Diwali gathering at the Supreme Court, CJI Chandrachud expressed the importance of this change, underscoring the need to allow more journalists to report on legal matters without the barrier of having a law degree.
Key Announcements by CJI Chandrachud
- No Law Degree Requirement:The CJI announced the removal of the law degree requirement for accreditation, stating that he had approved this change the day before the announcement.
- “Just yesterday, I signed a file for expanding the footprint of the accredited correspondence for the Supreme Court. I don’t know for what reason there was a condition you must have passed law LLB. We have relaxed that,” the CJI remarked.
- Access to Supreme Court Parking: Accredited journalists will now be able to park their vehicles within the Supreme Court premises.
- “Our accredited correspondents will have access to the parking lot for parking their vehicles in the Supreme Court here on,” he added.
Background and Implications
- 2018 Amendment:In 2018, the Supreme Court had introduced new guidelines for the accreditation of legal correspondents. These guidelines gave the Chief Justice discretionary power to waive the law degree requirement on a case-by-case basis.
- The recent decision eliminates this requirement entirely, making the accreditation process more accessible and inclusive.
- Accreditation Benefits:Accreditation not only facilitates entry to the Supreme Court premises but also grants access to specific facilities, ensuring that journalists can comprehensively cover legal matters and proceedings.
- Impact on Legal Journalism:This change is expected to enhance the quality and diversity of legal journalism in India, as it allows reporters from various backgrounds to engage more deeply with legal affairs, irrespective of their academic qualifications in law.
