Reporters share concerns with top judges

Court reporters got the opportunity to share their concerns and discuss possible solutions directly with chief judges of the courts on Wednesday, during Open House Media Week.

Open discussions were held in Wednesday’s session, during which the judges pointed out improvements that needed to be made in articles published by reporters, and the reporters discussed the challenges they face in their line of work.

The session was attended by Acting Chief Judge of Criminal Court – Judge Abdul Baaree Yoosuf, Chief Judge of Drug Court – Judge Abdul Sattar Hameed, Chief Judge of Family Court – Judge Hassan Maahir, Chief Judge of Juvenile Court – Judge Saeed Ibrahim, and Chief Judge of Civil Court – Judge Abdulla Ali.

None of High Court and Supreme Court judges attended the session.

Reporters shared multiple concerns – including being barred from entering court hearings and poor communication and customer relations skills of receptionists working in courts.

Judge Baaree promised to find a solution to the issues, and said that Criminal Court wanted to establish a friendly relationship with the media, and said that arrangements for easier access to court hearings would be made very soon.

Reporters also noted the difficulties they are facing because of a lack of media relations officer at Family Court.

Open House Media Week session between reporters and top judges on July 20, 2016. - Sun photo

Chief Judge of Family Court – Judge Hassan Maahir said that the court’s registrar would coordinate with the media from now on.

Meanwhile, the judges’ expresses concern court decisions being misinterpreted in media reports, and inaccuracies when it comes to names written in media reports.

The judges also noted that some reporters had a lack of understanding regarding court procedure, which results in their articles being erroneous.

Both reporters and judges noted the importance of the session to clear out the air between the two parties, and engage in constructive discussions.

Open House Media Week is an initiative of the country’s judiciary to mend and strengthen ties with media.