NLU Tripura marked Samvidhan Diwas with a national symposium featuring Justice Arindam Lodh, who emphasized ethical journalism, constitutional morality, and press accountability. Experts highlighted media freedom, misinformation challenges, and the essential role of dissent in sustaining democracy.
National Law University (NLU), Tripura observed Samvidhan Diwas on Wednesday with a thought-provoking National Symposium titled “Press, People and the Constitution: Reimagining Freedom and Accountability.” Organized by the University’s Public Relations and Media Committee, the event brought together students, scholars, journalists, and legal practitioners to reflect on the dynamic relationship between the press, the public, and the Constitution in contemporary India.
The symposium commenced in the presence of distinguished Chief Guest Justice Arindam Lodh, Chairperson of the Tripura Human Rights Commission. Delivering an insightful keynote address, Justice Lodh revisited his personal connection to journalism through his late father, Apanshu Mohan Lodh, who founded an English newspaper in 1959. He emphasized that the publication was established not for commercial gain but as a vital communication bridge between Tripura and policymakers in New Delhi. “English was the only way to make our voices heard in the capital, to ventilate the grievances and demands of the people of Tripura,” he remarked, highlighting the transformative role of the media in amplifying regional aspirations.
Addressing the essence of responsible journalism, Justice Lodh strongly underscored the relevance of constitutional morality—a principle that, though unwritten, is deeply embedded in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Quoting Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, he reminded the audience, “The Constitution is the vehicle of life and like any other vehicle it must be driven with wisdom and responsibility.” He stressed that journalists, citizens, and democratic institutions serve as collective guardians of constitutional values, and that the press must internalize these values while navigating the complexities of modern media landscapes.
Justice Lodh elaborated on the supremacy of the phrase “We the People of India,” reaffirming that sovereignty ultimately rests not solely with elected representatives but with the citizens themselves. He explained the dual aspects of sovereignty—external and internal—emphasizing the state’s authority to govern its internal affairs independently while maintaining autonomy from external pressures.
Reflecting on the evolving and adaptive nature of the Constitution, he noted that while Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, judicial interpretation has expanded this right to include the freedom of the press. “Our Constitution is a living document that breathes every moment,” he said, urging journalists to adopt a self-regulated code of conduct anchored in constitutional ethics. He also warned against the perils of misinformation, sensationalism, and declining public trust in institutions. “Truth is not a slogan; it is a discipline,” Justice Lodh asserted.
In his concluding remarks, he called upon citizens to become discerning consumers of information, institutions to safeguard media independence, and students to nurture constitutional thinking through reading, questioning, and critical analysis. “A fearful press cannot be a free press. On this Constitution Day, let us renew our commitment to strengthening the pillars of democracy—the press, the people, and the Constitution,” he stated.
Senior journalist Subir Bhaumik provided a candid appraisal of contemporary media challenges. Describing journalism as an “endless negotiation” between liberty, accountability, and regulatory pressures, he spoke from decades of frontline experience. Bhaumik emphasized that true reporting demands crossing boundaries and lending an ear to every voice. “As Indians, our duty is to connect and converse. For me, that is both a citizen’s right and a journalist’s responsibility,” he said.
He criticized the culture of media trials, using the Sushant Singh Rajput case as an example, arguing that actress Rhea Chakraborty faced intense vilification without credible evidence. Bhaumik further warned that concentrated corporate control has weakened editorial independence while unregulated social media ecosystems have become disruptive influences on public discourse. Despite these challenges, he stated that India remains stronger than many neighboring countries due to the continuous struggles of its citizens to safeguard fundamental freedoms.
NLU Tripura Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Y. P. Singh reinforced the idea that a free yet responsible press is essential to sustaining constitutional democracy. Citing the philosophy of John Stuart Mill, he asserted that dissent is indispensable to societal progress. “Dialogue thrives on difference; progress depends on the courage to disagree,” he noted. He also emphasized that journalism must function as an uncompromising watchdog of authority, warning that India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 will remain unrealized if the media fails to hold power accountable.
Senior Advocate Prof. Krishnan Mahajan, former Dean of NLUD and RGNUL Patiala, along with other dignitaries, also attended the event, adding intellectual depth to the discussions.
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The symposium concluded with a shared acknowledgment of the critical interdependence between the Constitution, the people, and the press, and the collective responsibility to preserve democratic values in an era marked by rapid communication and complex challenges.
