The Supreme Court decided the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to make a comprehensive manual giving media briefings by police personnel within three months.
The bench had CJI DY Chandrachud, Chief Justice Manoj Mishra, PS Narasimha, and the Director General of Police submit their appropriate suggestions, contributing to the manual.
Does media trial suppress the fundamental rights of the people?
The poison of sectarianism is infused by a large section of the media in society by reporting. It is more dangerous than the Coronavirus. It is believed that many news channels often discuss the fundamental issues of the people to spread hatred in a very strategic and planned manner. The so-called debates and discussions try to create a communal atmosphere in society, thereby increasing religious extremism and also trying to engage politics to contribute towards hatred.
There is constant hatred and the creation of disinformation spread by the media where some section of society has started acting as a judge on any issue involving the weaker sections or the minorities. It has become prevalent to present the accused as a criminal already.
The attention was brought to the media, who often declared an accused as a terrorist or a criminal even without using qualifications like “set to be” or “alleged.” Eventually, when the top court declares them innocent, the media becomes silent. The press runs breaking news on the arrest, but they become silent once declared innocent.
Does a media trial make people guilty even before the court decides?
Many renowned people have criticized a large section of the media for irresponsible and unrestrained reporting, benefiting sectarian elements. It is not going to be easy to compensate for the damage that was done to the unity of the country and peace because of media trials. The media trial should be strictly banned, as said by Mr Madani, the Jamiat president.
It is rightly said that media trials can violate the privacy of the complainant or the victim, and therefore, it becomes essential, primarily if the case revolves around the minor. Victims’ privacy should not be affected, and even the rights of the accused should be protected. The accused should get an unbiased and fair investigation at every stage. They should get a presumption of innocence. Therefore, media reports can imply that the accused is unfair. The Supreme Court rightly quoted that the media has the dangerous capability to impact the trial of the accused. Therefore, they should refrain from conducting such behavior that would affect the impartiality of the law.
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