Assertion (A): Journalists are bound to assist investigations of offences by disclosing the information that they have collected.
Reason (R): It is an obligation of every citizen including media persons under the criminal procedure code of 1973.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
Assertion (A) states that journalists must assist in investigations by disclosing the information they collect. This is true because, in many cases, authorities seek media records, interviews, or unpublished content to aid investigations. However, journalists often face ethical dilemmas when revealing confidential sources.
Reason (R) explains that this obligation applies to all citizens, including media professionals, under the Criminal Procedure Code of 1973. This is also true since the law mandates citizens to assist in criminal investigations when required by authorities.
However, Reason (R) does not fully explain Assertion (A). While the law applies to all citizens, journalists operate under specific ethical guidelines, including the right to protect their sources. Courts sometimes recognize this right, especially when disclosure threatens press freedom.
Since both statements are true, but Reason (R) does not directly justify Assertion (A), the correct answer is (B).
