In a case of contempt of Parliament, R.K. Karanjia of the Blitz was _____ by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
(A) Admonished
(B) Imprisoned
(C) Excluded
(D) Reprimanded
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
The Indian Parliament has the authority to take action against contempt of its proceedings. In one such case, R.K. Karanjia, the editor of Blitz, faced reprimand by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. This action was taken because his publication was found guilty of contempt of Parliament.
Parliament considers any act that disrespects or obstructs its functioning as contempt. Journalists must exercise caution while reporting on parliamentary matters. If any published material misrepresents facts or disrupts the dignity of Parliament, it can lead to punitive action.
In this case, instead of imprisonment or exclusion, the Speaker chose to reprimand Karanjia. A reprimand is a formal expression of disapproval. It serves as a warning without imposing legal penalties. The decision highlighted the importance of press freedom while ensuring that media remains accountable for its reporting.
This case remains a notable example of how Parliament exercises its authority over contempt cases while maintaining a balance between media freedom and legislative integrity.
