Media trials cannot be a guiding factor in deciding cases: CJI NV Ramana urges media to 'behave responsibly'

Delivering the inaugural address at the 'Justice SB Sinha Memorial Lecture' organized by the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi, Chief Justice of India, Justice NV Ramana today said that media trials cannot be a guiding factor in deciding cases.

"Of late, we see the media running kangaroo courts, at times on issues even experienced judges find difficult to decide. Ill-informed and agenda driven debates on issues involving justice delivery are proving to be detrimental to the health of democracy...", he added.

Justice Ramana also urged the media, particularly electronic and social media, to behave responsibly.

Speaking on the life of a judge, the CJI observed that doing justice is not an easy responsibility and it is becoming increasingly challenging with each passing day.

"At times, there are also concerted campaigns in media, particularly on social media against judges. Another aspect that affects the fair functioning and independence of the judiciary is the rising number of media trials. New media tools have the enormous amplifying ability but appear to be incapable of distinguishing between the right and the wrong, the good and the bad and the real and the fake...", the CJI said.

The CJI further said that biased views being propagated by media are affecting the people, weakening democracy, and harming the system, which in turn affects justice delivery adversely.

By overstepping and breaching your responsibility, you are taking our democracy two steps backward, CJI said.

He added that though print media still has a certain degree of accountability, electronic media has zero accountability as what it shows vanishes into the thin air.

Opining that social media is worse, CJI said that owing to the frequent transgressions and consequent social unrest, there is a growing demand for stricter media regulations and accountability.

"In fact, looking at recent trends, it is best for the media to self-regulate and measure their words. You should not overstep and invite interference, either from the government or from the courts", Justice Ramana remarked.

Giving a word of caution, Justice Ramana remarked that Judges may not react immediately, but this should not be mistaken to be a weakness or helplessness.

Asking the media to exercise liberties responsibly, the CJI said that if this is done, there will be no necessity of placing reasonable or proportionate external restrictions.

"You are as important a stakeholder as we are. Please use the power of your voice to educate the people and to energize the nation in our collective endeavor to build a progressive, prosperous, and peaceful India", Justice Ramana said, conclusively.