The criminal law in India is based on the principles of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and the right to a fair trial.
Due to exclusive coverage, media frequently covers and publishes conversations with witnesses, victims’ relatives, and legal professionals, among others, which may affect a trial’s proceedings, especially the judge mind. In fact, this has an impact on how the general public perceives itself because of how quickly the media reaches the masses.
The Power Of Media
In the last few decades, the expression “trial by media” has become widely used to describe the influence of television and print media coverage on a case by an attempt by the media to hold the accused guilty even before his trial and regardless of any verdict in a court of law. Trial by media is equally accurate to the adage “who so ever controls the media controls the mind.”
Thanks to the proliferation of news gathering smartphone apps as well as more established forms of media including news channels on TV, the internet, newspapers, and radio broadcasting, media has woven its web into the minds of practically every citizen who comes into contact with such materials.
People often receive information about public concerns and are made aware of global happenings as a result of this incredible outreach.
Media, A Double-Edged Sword
In a few circumstances, the media play a significant role in persuading the public that someone is the victim and labelling someone as the offender before the investigation is finished. The justice committee’s decision is contested, and the accused’s reputation is also harmed.
Many news stations compete aggressively with one another to produce the most captivating stories that lure viewers and raise their TRP. They ultimately provide inaccurate information at the expense of making it sound interesting.
It should go without saying that not everything you read or see online is true.
