Law and Media Trial in India

Abstract

Media is often termed as the fourth pillar of India; it is an indispensable part in keeping democracy alive and reaching out to the masses. The media plays an instrumental role in educating and delivering the truth to people. However, in recent times, the media has exceeded its role by bringing its lens into the courtrooms and setting up its own trials, parallelly. The transition from responsible reporting to investigating various high-profile cases or cases of infamous crimes has made the media trial a common practice. From aiming to grab the highest television rating points to trying to stay relevant in the changing times, the media has overstepped its own boundary. The unconscious transition in its role has not only interfered with the fair administration of justice but also pressurised the judiciary to act in a certain way. It has, also, hampered the fundamental and constitutional rights of both the accused and the victim of a crime. The courts have always, unfailingly, guarded the freedom of press, and they continue to do so. However, the judiciary sensed trouble in certain cases when the media began to deliver its own verdict before the evidence was verified or the guilt proved. It is here that the need to demarcate a line arose in order to ensure the media remains well within its job of fair reporting. In an attempt to contain this adverse effect of the media, the legislature and the judiciary have attempted to frame rules and guidelines to that effect. This article attempts to discuss the various facets of media trials and the laws pertaining to them.