New Delhi: Chief Justice of India-designate Justice Surya Kant has urged journalists to uphold ethics and truth amid the growing challenges of Artificial Intelligence and digital misinformation. Speaking at the 31st anniversary celebration of the Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) at Jawahar Bhawan, he praised women journalists for transforming Indian media through courage, competence, and integrity.
Justice Surya Kant described the IWPC as a “symbol of courage, conviction, and collective strength.” He reflected on its journey from an idea into a respected institution representing women’s power in shaping public debate. “The IWPC began as an audacious conviction that women must not only have a seat at the table but also the respect and space to shape the very nature of public debate,” he said.
Applauding the professionalism of women in media, he said they are “embodiments of solidarity, resilience, and shared vision.” He noted that women reporters have raised the quality of journalism, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry and bringing depth to coverage across politics, health, education, and social issues.
Justice Surya Kant acknowledged the growing presence of women in regional and grassroots journalism, commending their courage in exposing gender-based violence and social injustices. He emphasised that “vision and competence, not gender, define true pioneers in the media.”
Turning to technology, the Chief Justice-designate discussed the double-edged impact of Artificial Intelligence. While recognising AI’s benefits for research and newsroom efficiency, he warned against its potential misuse. “AI expedites work but also endangers privacy, dignity, and safety,” he said, expressing concern over deepfakes and doctored images that erode public trust.
He spoke strongly about the online harassment of women journalists, describing it as a deliberate attempt to silence their voices. “Perpetrators use these tactics not to debate the work of women journalists but to humiliate and intimidate them,” he said, calling digital abuse a direct threat to democracy and press freedom.
Justice Surya Kant urged for stronger industry-wide safeguards, including digital safety training, ethical oversight, and accountability. He called for women to play leadership roles across media operations, from reporting and editing to policymaking and technology.
Encouraging the IWPC to lead ethical initiatives, he highlighted the importance of transparency and mutual support in preserving journalistic credibility. Comparing women journalists to the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, he said both have redefined excellence through perseverance and talent.
Concluding his address, Justice Surya Kant reaffirmed his support for IWPC’s mission to empower women journalists and uphold ethical media. “Together,” he said, “you are not just women in media, you are the media itself, defining the present, shaping the future, inspiring and instilling hope in countless others.”
His address blended appreciation with a strong call to action, urging the media community to protect truth and dignity in an era of rapid technological change.
