The Patna High Court ruled that media can report criminal proceedings but should avoid labels like “mastermind” or “kingpin” that suggest guilt before trial. Justice Ansul said prejudicial reporting may harm an accused’s reputation and amount to defamatory or improper conduct during pending cases.
The Supreme Court dismissed a journalist’s plea challenging a Delhi High Court order directing removal of social media posts accusing a co-passenger of sexual harassment, observing that publicly identifying someone online could harm reputation and amount to defamation, especially when consequences included suspension from employment.
Today, On 13th March, The Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a petition seeking action against individuals and groups accused of spreading misinformation through posters and public statements regarding the Tirumala laddu controversy, stating that such issues require appropriate remedies elsewhere.
