A Critical Legal Study On The Impact Of Media Trials On The Administration Of Justice In India
- IJLLR Journal
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
Tanya Goyal, Amity University, Madhya Pradesh
ABSTRACT
The media also plays a watchdog role in exposing failures of law enforcement agencies and highlighting miscarriages of justice. Investigative journalism has contributed significantly to several criminal cases by bringing evidence and procedural lapses before the public. In some situations, media attention has compelled authorities to conduct fair investigations and take prompt action. This demonstrates that media can become an instrument for transparency and accountability.
The concept of free and fair trial is one of the fundamental pillars in our Indian Judicial system, and it’s protected under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Simultaneously, Article 19(1)(a) also guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, which includes freedom of the press. In today’s time, the growth of electronic media, digital journalism, and social media platform had a significant role in public opinion regarding judicial proceedings and criminal investigations. This concept, widely referred to as a “trial by media,” often results in public adjudication before the courts pronounce judgment. While the media plays a vital role in promoting transparency in media intervention that can prejudice judicial proceedings and violate the accused's right to a fair trial. The fair trial concept by the media has emerged as one of the most concerns in contemporary judicial systems, especially in democratic countries like India. It also plays a crucial role in government transparency and in judicial functioning.
Trial by media refers to the impact created by newspapers, television channels, digital platforms, and social media in influencing public opinion regarding the guilt or innocence of an accused person before the court delivers its judgment. The media often conducts parallel discussions, investigations, and debates that shape the perception of society. In democratic countries, the media acts as the fourth pillar of democracy and plays a major role in informing citizens about crimes, corruption, and judicial proceedings. The increasing expansion of electronic and digital media has made criminal cases highly publicized within a very short period of time.
