Kerala HC Urges Media to Follow ‘Lakshman Rekha’ for Fair Reporting

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Kerala High Court directed the media to maintain fairness and respect the ‘Lakshman Rekha’.
The Court cautioned that media trials can influence public opinion and erode trust in the judiciary.
The Court advised media to exercise caution when reporting on cases under judicial process.
The Court acknowledged media freedom but noted its limits to avoid prejudicial reporting.
The ruling responds to multiple petitions criticizing media interference in judicial processes.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The Kerala High Court emphasized the importance of responsible reporting, instructing the media to respect boundaries while exercising their freedom. The Court clarified that, under Article 19(1)(a), media freedom does not grant the right to pass judgments on ongoing cases. A five-judge bench, led by Justice A.K. Jayashankaran Nambiar, advised media outlets to refrain from presenting themselves as courts or investigative bodies in criminal cases.

The Court highlighted that media trials could create biases, potentially obstructing the legal process. The media should report facts accurately without offering conclusive opinions, especially on cases under investigation. Such practices infringe upon the accused’s rights and can harm public trust if later contradicted by court verdicts.

This ruling emerged from three petitions seeking restrictions on media’s role in covering investigations. It underscored that media freedom, while crucial, must align with reasonable limitations, especially when it conflicts with privacy and dignity rights under Article 21.