Media Trials In India: Walking The Fine Line Between Judicial Accountability And Sensationalism In The Digital Age
- IJLLR Journal
- Mar 8
- 1 min read
Aravind Samson, B.Com LLB, LLM, Christ (deemed to be) University
ABSTRACT
Media trials in India have emerged as a serious issue, balancing judicial accountability and sensationalism. The increasing strength of digital and electronic media has transformed journalism from fact reporting to storytelling with the participation of the public and demanding ratings. The paper examines the effects of media trials on judicial independence, the principle of being innocent until proven guilty, and the fundamental rights of the accused. Drawing on examples of landmark legal cases like the Jessica Lal case, the Aarushi Talwar murder case, and the Sushant Singh Rajput case, this study demonstrates the effect of media reports on the public and on legal action. The paper also examines the existing laws regulating the behavior of the media, such as constitutional guidelines, the Contempt of Courts Act, and Supreme Court judgments, and assesses their ineffectiveness in regulating media interference in court proceedings. In addition, the influence of social media in disseminating misinformation and its ethical implications on public discourse are examined with caution. The conclusion emphasizes the strong need for stricter regulations, improved journalism ethics, and digital literacy to minimize the adverse effects of media trials on India's judiciary.
Keywords: Media trials, judicial independence, sensationalism, freedom of speech, fair trial, social media, legal framework, ethical journalism.
