Shanky❤Salty
Ashish Kumar
Ramgarh, Jharkhand
ashish05shanky@gmail.com
April 8, 2024
To
The Honorable Chief Justice of India
Supreme Court of India
New Delhi
Subject: Appeal for Judicial Intervention in Media Trials
Respected Chief Justice,
I pen this letter with a profound sense of urgency and a deep respect for the esteemed office you hold—a bastion of justice in our great democracy. It is with a humble heart and a citizen’s concern for the future of our society that I seek to draw your attention to a matter of grave importance—the phenomenon of media trials in India.
In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming trend where the media has assumed the role of a quasi-judicial entity, conducting what are popularly known as ‘media trials.’ This practice, where cases and individuals are tried and judged in the court of public opinion, has become a ticking time bomb, threatening to erode the very pillars of democracy and the sanctity of our society.
The media, revered as the fourth pillar of democracy, holds the power to shape narratives and influence public perception. However, when this power is wielded without restraint, it can disrupt the balance of justice. Media trials have the potential to prejudice the minds of the public and the jurors alike, casting a shadow of bias even before the judiciary has had an opportunity to deliberate on the facts of the case.
The impact of such trials is not merely confined to the distortion of public opinion but extends to the undermining of the judiciary’s authority¹². When verdicts are pronounced in news studios, the subliminal pressure on the judicial process can be immense. The constant scrutiny and updates on sub judice matters create a clouded environment, leaving the case and the lives of those involved in a perilous state³.
Moreover, the sensationalism that often accompanies media trials infringes upon the rights of individuals, violating the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and denying them the right to a fair trial. The media’s narrative, driven by the pursuit of ratings, often overlooks the nuanced understanding of the law, leading to a trial by spectacle rather than a trial by evidence.
As a concerned citizen, I humbly request your intervention in this critical issue. It is imperative that the judiciary takes cognizance of the repercussions of media trials and considers implementing stringent guidelines to safeguard the administration of justice. The need of the hour is to ensure that the media refrains from encroaching upon the domain of the judiciary and respects the due process of law.
The future of our democracy and the faith of our citizens in the judicial system are at stake. We must act swiftly to prevent the erosion of these foundational elements that uphold our society. I trust that under your esteemed leadership, the judiciary will rise to address this challenge and preserve the sanctity of justice.
With the highest regard and anticipation for your judicious responses.
Yours faithfully,
Ashish Kumar