International Crimes Tribunal 1 expressed strong reservations about journalistic practices of the television stations.
The tribunal had put Mobarak Hossain’s case on its list of cases to be dealt with on Sunday. That particular item is awaiting verdict. Mobarak’s case only stated "for order" next to it.
A number of television stations put it on their tickers and flashed "breaking news" saying that the tribunal would give its verdict on Mobarak Hossain on Monday.
However, the tribunal was yet to begin its proceedings for the day.
Tribunal Chairman Justice Enayetur Rahim said: “Some may have extraordinary powers of perception and know beforehand what the order is going to be. But it would be desirable that the media reports the exact state of affairs at the tribunal.”
He said such reporting, even before the tribunal had given the order, undermined the proceedings.
Justice Rahim urged journalists to be more "responsible" in reporting the proceedings.
Justice Jahangir Hossain, a co-judge at the tribunal, said: “What if we gave an order saying we would give the judgement on the 30th instead of today? What would happen then?”
Justice Rahim said he did not want to dwell on the matter further and moved on to deliver the judgement.