In a landmark decision, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has announced the removal of the requirement for a law degree for journalists seeking accreditation to cover the Supreme Court of India. This significant change means that journalists are no longer required to hold an LLB degree to become legal correspondents.
During a pre-Diwali gathering with journalists, CJI Chandrachud explained the rationale behind this decision, stating, “What we are doing is twofold.Just yesterday, I signed a file to expand the footprint of accredited correspondents for the Supreme Court. I could not understand why the condition of having a law degree was mandatory, and that is why we have relaxed it,” as per a media report.
Accredited legal journalists enjoy various privileges, including enhanced access to Supreme Court facilities. As part of the new measures, CJI Chandrachud also announced that accredited journalists will now have access to the Supreme Court parking area, a move aimed at facilitating easier access for reporters covering crucial legal proceedings, according to media report.
Previously, in 2018, the Supreme Court established strict norms for the accreditation of legal correspondents, requiring that any working journalist aiming to report on the Apex Court regularly must hold a law degree recognized by the Bar Council of India and have at least five years of continuous court reporting experience, along with other criteria.
With this recent relaxation, CJI Chandrachud is paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive journalistic landscape in the legal domain. As he prepares to retire from his position on November 10, 2024, this decision is seen as a significant legacy that could reshape legal journalism in India for years to come.
