Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi cautioned that unrestrained media trials can ruin judicial careers, citing a judge allegedly linked to money. He said instant public judgment often precedes court evidence, leaving reputational damage permanent and public trust shattered.
Justice AS Oka raised concerns about media trials and public comments on ongoing cases, saying they affect the justice system. He spoke at a webinar by the All India Lawyers’ Association for Justice, stressing the need for a fair and responsible judiciary. The discussion focused on keeping court cases free from outside influence. He also highlighted the importance of judicial independence and accountability.
On December 12, 2024, LawChakra hosted a live discussion with journalist Saurav Das, covering issues in India’s judicial system, including the Uniform Civil Code, marital rape criminalization, and corruption. Das emphasized the need for systemic reforms, judicial independence, and the importance of judges adhering to constitutional ideals while addressing media influence and accountability.
Justice Dipankar Datta, born on August 10, 1960, assumed office in the Supreme Court on December 12, 2022, after serving as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. With 81 authored judgments, notable cases include media influence in investigations and challenges against restrictive IT Rules. He retires on February 8, 2030.
The Kerala High Court emphasized the need for responsible media reporting, cautioning against “media trials” that presuppose guilt or innocence in ongoing cases. While freedom of speech is fundamental, it must not overshadow the judiciary’s role or the accused’s right to a fair trial, warning against prejudicing public opinion.
![[EVM Hacking Row] Petition Filed in Bombay HC Against Rahul Gandhi, Uddhav Thackeray](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-24-3.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
A petition has been filed in the Bombay High Court today against leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray, for allegedly spreading false claims about hacking electronic voting machines (EVMs). The petition seeks contempt proceedings for violating the court’s order on avoiding media trials. The court directed the petitioner to seek listing of their plea before an appropriate bench.
