Analyzing the Role of Fair Media Trial under the Democratic Indian Justice System

Khalid Ali Khan Afridi

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.71899

Analyzing the Role of Fair Media Trial under the Democratic Indian Justice System

Author(s)	Mr. Khalid Ali Khan Afridi
Country	India
Abstract	Trial by media is a phrase popular in the late 20th Century and early 21st Century to describe the impact of television and newspaper coverage on a person’s reputation by creating a widespread perception of guilt or innocence before, or after, a verdict in a court of law. In recent times, there have been numerous instances in which media has conducted the trial of an accused and has passed the verdict even before the court passes its judgment. The Honourable Supreme Court reiterated that the media and the judiciary are institutions inhabiting separate spheres and their functions do not overlap. One cannot and must not use the other for discharge of its functions. It was observed that media should only engage in acts of journalism and not act as a special agency for the court. The use of freedom of speech and expression amounting to interference with the administration of justice due to the prejudicial nature of certain media coverage is highlighted through this research. Development of media nationally and internationally, and perception of media are also described in this article. Media is considered to be the fourth pillar of democracy, after Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. Media as fourth pillar was coined by Thomas Caryle. As such the Indian Constitution does not provide freedom for media separately. But there is an indirect provision for media freedom. It gets derived from Article 19 (1) (a) . This Article guarantees freedom of speech and expression. The freedom of mass media is derived indirectly from this Article. Article 19 of our Constitution deals with the right to freedom and it enumerates certain rights regarding individual freedom of speech and expression etc. Media being a very powerful influence on the society is regulated and controlled by various legislations enacted from time to time. By analysing the present provisions and landmark judgments, we will go through the role of fair media trial under the democratic Indian justice system.
Keywords	Media, Fair Trial, Constitution, Justice, Media Trial.
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-19
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.71899

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Analyzing the Role of Fair Media Trial under the Democratic Indian Justice System

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