Soli Sorabjee on Why Independent Journalism Is Essential to Democracy

Soli Sorabjee, former Attorney General of India and one of the country's most respected voices on free speech, spoke to The Probe about the role of independent journalism in a democracy. His message to journalists is simple and direct: stay independent, whatever the pressure.

Soli Sorabjee on Independent Journalism

For Soli Sorabjee, a free press is inseparable from democracy itself. He told The Probe that journalism exists to hold those in power to account and to give citizens the facts they need to act.

"Independent Journalism is meant to really hold people in power to account and to reveal facts which makes the public know what is happening and then take action accordingly. Independent Journalism is essential to democracy. Without Independent Journalism democracy is zero," Sorabjee said.

Be Brave, Says Soli Sorabjee

Sorabjee urged journalists to resist pressure from every direction, whether it comes from governments, political parties or those with money to spend.

"Be brave. Don't cave into any influence be it political influence or commercial influence. Don't be influenced by people who want to say something or the other depending on what they are able to pay you. Independence is essential. If you are not independent your soul is sold. If you sell your soul, you sell the soul of democracy in India," he said.

Who Is Soli Sorabjee

Soli Jehangir Sorabjee is among India's most distinguished jurists. He has served as Attorney General of India twice, first from 1989 to 1990 and later from 1998 to 2004. Over a legal career spanning more than six decades, he has become known as a staunch defender of free speech, press freedom and human rights.

He documented the censorship of the press during the Emergency in his book The Emergency, Censorship and the Press in India, 1975-77. He has also served the United Nations in human rights roles, including as Special Rapporteur on Nigeria. In 2002, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour.

Why His Message Matters

Soli Sorabjee's words carry particular weight at a time when independent journalism in India faces pressure from many quarters, from shrinking newsroom budgets to political and commercial influence over what gets reported. His warning that a journalist who gives up independence also gives up the soul of democracy is a reminder of what is at stake.