NLU, Tripura celebrates 75th Constitution Day with National Symposium on Press, People and the Constitution

The National Law University (NLU), Tripura on Tuesday celebrated the 75th Constitution Day 2025 by hosting a National Symposium on “Press, People and the Constitution: Reimagining Freedom and Accountability.” The event brought together legal experts, journalists, academicians, and students to deliberate on the evolving role of the media in a constitutional democracy.

The symposium was inaugurated by Justice (Retd.) Arindam Lodh, Chairperson of the Tripura State Human Rights Commission and former Judge of the Tripura High Court. He was joined by Prof. Krishnan Mahajan, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court and former Dean of NLUD and RGNUL Patiala; veteran journalist Subir Bhaumik, former BBC Bureau Chief for East and Northeast India; and Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Pratap Singh, Founding Vice-Chancellor of NLU Tripura.

In his welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Pratap Singh underscored the importance of a free yet accountable press in strengthening democratic institutions and in bridging the gap between citizens and public life.

Veteran journalist Subir Bhaumik delivered a candid and insightful address on the contemporary challenges confronting journalism. Terming his perspective “a foot soldier’s view,” he recalled that field reporting taught him to cross borders and engage with all voices. “If they are Indians, we must communicate. That is my right as an Indian and as a journalist,” he said.

Warning that the 24×7 news cycle and social media have severely harmed factual accuracy, Bhaumik cited his own experience of breaking the news of Mother Teresa’s death for BBC. “Mark Tully used to say: it’s important to be first, but more important to get it right,” he added.

He highlighted the importance of editorial guidelines, noting BBC’s strict editorial manual and contrasting it with the lack of similar standards in many Indian newsrooms. On rising pressures from business and political interests, he cautioned that “judicial terrorism” in the form of multiple cases against journalists poses one of the gravest threats to press freedom.

Criticizing media trials, he referred to the Sushant Singh Rajput case, remarking that actress Rhea Chakraborty was hounded “without any evidence.” He further observed that corporate ownership has eroded editorial independence, while unregulated social media has become “a monster.” Despite these challenges, Bhaumik said India still fares better than many neighbouring countries, adding, “We remain ahead only because people fought to defend essential freedoms.”

Chief Guest Justice (Retd.) Arindam Lodh emphasized that constitutional morality—though unwritten—is rooted in the Preamble and must guide both journalists and institutions. He reiterated that “a free and responsible press is essential for democracy to survive and flourish.”

Guest of Honour Prof. (Dr.) Krishan Mahajan, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court, stressed the importance of responsible digital engagement and the need for vigilance against misinformation. He urged citizens to navigate online platforms with critical awareness, stating that safeguarding democratic values requires not only freedom of expression but also collective resistance to digital manipulation and misinformation.

As part of the programme, NLU Tripura organized a press felicitation ceremony, honouring national and regional media houses for their contribution as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy. The event witnessed active participation from Tripura’s press community, faculty and students from various law schools, and members of NLU Tripura.

The symposium concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Merelin Darlong, Faculty Advisor, Public Relations and Media, NLU Tripura.