New Delhi, May 3

The Supreme Court on Monday said it does not want to demoralise high courts as they are vital pillars of democracy, and observed that critical remarks like those made by the Madras High Court against the Election Commission are often made in an open dialogue between the bar and bench.

A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud made the observation while hearing a plea filed by the Election Commission (EC) against some critical observations made by the Madras High Court, holding the poll panel responsible for a surge in Covid cases in the country.

The top court said seeking relief that media should not report on observations is 'too far-fetched' and it should be able to report everything to create accountability.

It said that the media is an important and powerful watchdog in democracy and cannot be stopped from reporting discussions in higher courts.

The Election Commission had moved the top court on Saturday against some critical observations made by the Madras High Court.

The high court had observed that EC officials concerned should probably be tried on murder charges for their failure to ensure adherence to Covid protocols during the election process in four states and a union territory. PTI

Highlights

*Media is powerful watchdog in democracy, cannot be stopped from reporting discussions in higher courts, observes SC.

*Seeking relief such as media should not report on observations is too far-fetched, observes SC on EC's plea against Madras HC order.

*We don't want to demoralise HCs as they are vital pillars of democracy: SC on high court's observation against EC.

*Judges themselves are overwhelmed by situation on ground in Covid times, says SC on EC's plea against critical remarks by Madras HC. 

*Covid management not our problem, but after 20 days of polls in Tamil Nadu, HC says we should be charged with murder: EC to SC.

*There was continuous debate in media over Madras High Court's remarks on murder charges against us: EC to SC.

*Take it in right spirit, you have done good job: SC to EC on Madras HC remarks against poll panel. PTI