Let us Talk about Media Trials – With Author Riddhima Sen

Media was once a boon that helped people stay aware of their surroundings, shaping world views of great imminence. The Indian media has to abide by the laws related to it already stated in the Constitution of India. The three pillars of democracy include – legislature, executive and judiciary. It helps in highlighting the legal, economic and cultural problems of the society.

The influence of media coverage via newspaper and television, focusing solely on an individual, by creating a perception or façade of innocence or guilt, thus intervening in court proceedings, is referred to as media trials.

After the Supreme Court sentenced Sanjay Dutt, the Bollywood actor, to five years imprisonment, he had to serve in jail due to his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai Serial Blast. Dutt was arrested at the airport. He had confessed in January 1993 that Abu Sale, the mafia don had indeed visited his home. The case was highlighted by the media to a great extent, branding the actor as a terrorist. This case greatly brought into consideration the concern regarding media trials, and how the nature of media trials has kept on changing since times. Media has an indispensable role to play in a democratic country , yet the unwanted intervention is truly detrimental .