NEW DELHI, April 15 -- Telling blatant lies has become very common among the political leaders in India. It is disgusting to see that the media, which is expected to function as a watchdog in a democracy, shamelessly publishes and propagates the lies of politicians. When the bulk of the print, electronic and social media has become the ruling party's mouthpiece, people have only limited options to know the truth. Free and fair elections require a level playing field for all contesting parties. The partisan role played by the bulk of the media in India alters the level playing field, adversely affecting free and fair elections.

Distortion of facts and statements also falls under the broader ambit of lies. When someone imputes meanings to ...