India, July 18 -- New Delhi

The Delhi High Court has called for a regulatory framework to safeguard the freedom of the press, while ensuring professional accountability, adherence to ethical standards, respect for the rule of law, protection of citizens' rights and the larger public interest.

A bench of justice Girish Kathpalia, in his verdict delivered on Thursday, observed that virtually anyone armed with a mobile phone and a microphone can now claim to be a "reporter", and many such individuals were operating without journalistic training, ethical grounding or accountability.

He said that while the freedom of the press must be zealously protected, it cannot be used as a shield for irresponsible journalism, intimidation or the dissem...