Essay On Trial By Media

Introduction

“I would rather have a completely free press with all the dangers involved in the wrong use of that freedom than a suppressed or regulated press.”

Trial by Media is a phrase popular in the late 20th century and early 21st century to describe the impact of television and newspaper coverage on a person's reputation by creating a widespread perception of guilt regardless of any verdict in a court of law.

India is a democratic state and democratic indicates that everyone has right to speak and express their motion according law. Moreover there has to be active participation of public in all the affairs of governments and state. Media is considered as pillar of democracy. Now a day media playing vital role in changing the opinion of public

This right is protected by Article 14, 20, 21, and 22 of the constitution. With the growth of Cable Television and Channels, Local Radios, New Papers and Magazines Networks and Internet the range at the end of 20th century and beginning of 21st century reach of media has increased a lot and their interference in justice become famous. But this right of fair trial may be defeated if the media while reporting a matter use of such a language which may have an effect to influence the mind of a Judge and control the judicial process. There are numerous cases in which media has conducted the trail before the judgment and even after the judgment had passed the verdict. Many times verdict of media are against the order of the courts because of this judges may also come in limelight of public and they may be criticized in the public. Presumption of innocence is the basis of criminal jurisprudence and it is the essential element of judicial system. But in the recent times media for increased its commercial value and Television Rate Policy (T.R.P.), just for increase naming and blaming the suspect the