The Kerala High Court ruled that media organizations should avoid acting as investigative or judicial bodies while covering ongoing investigations or criminal cases.
The bench noted in its ruling that unlimited reporting might result in biased opinions and public distrust in judicial results.
Media freedom not a license to prove guilt: Kerala HC
“While freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) was fundamental, it does not grant the media a ‘licence’ to pronounce on an accused’s guilt or innocence before legal authorities have reached a verdict,” a five-judge bench comprising Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar, Kauser Edappagath, Mohammed Nias CP, CS Sudha, and Syam Kumar VK said.
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The High Court highlighted that media trials can unjustly sway public perception and result in “pre-judgment” of individuals, functioning similarly to a “kangaroo court.”
The High Court pointed out that trial by media can unfairly influence public opinion and lead to “pre-judgment” of suspects, effectively operating as a “kangaroo court.”
More updates to follow….
