Bombay HC slams media trial in Sushant case, says it's contempt of court

The Bombay High Court has slammed the media coverage Sushant Singh Rajput death case and said that in some instances the coverage by certain television news channels was 'prima facie contemptuous'.

<p>The court made some significant observations while hearing a plea seeking the regulation of media trials being held in Sushant's case.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p><p>Here are some of the observations&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p><p>* Trial by media in ongoing investigation leads to interference and obstruction of justice and amounts to contempt.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>* The investigation agency may appoint one officer to provide credible information as the officer deems fit to answer queries of journalists and provide information important for the public to know</p>

The court made some significant observations while hearing a plea seeking the regulation of media trials being held in Sushant's case. 

Here are some of the observations 

* Trial by media in ongoing investigation leads to interference and obstruction of justice and amounts to contempt.

* The investigation agency may appoint one officer to provide credible information as the officer deems fit to answer queries of journalists and provide information important for the public to know

<p>* While emphasising the need for a complete investigation, the investigation agencies are under no obligation to disclose information<br />&nbsp;</p><p>* Certain elements of reporting by news channels, Times Now and Republic TV were contemptuous.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>* Media should observe restraint in discussions about the ongoing investigation so as not to prejudice the rights of the accused and witness.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>* Reconstructing or recreating the crime scene or leaking any sensitive information to be refrained.&nbsp;</p>

* While emphasising the need for a complete investigation, the investigation agencies are under no obligation to disclose information

* Certain elements of reporting by news channels, Times Now and Republic TV were contemptuous.

* Media should observe restraint in discussions about the ongoing investigation so as not to prejudice the rights of the accused and witness.

* Reconstructing or recreating the crime scene or leaking any sensitive information to be refrained. 

<p>* The norms of journalistic standards and code of ethics to be followed.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>* Guidelines of PCI will apply to electronic media along with print media till the time electronic media comes up with its own guidelines.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>* Think of a police officer. Can anyone be guaranteed that he will not be influenced? He may be following a particular track, which could be the right track. He loses track and rounds up innocent. He loses track and rounds up innocent.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>* Criticism of city police by TV media was unfair, in view of the material placed on record. The city police was&nbsp;at the very basic stage of probe.</p>

* The norms of journalistic standards and code of ethics to be followed.

* Guidelines of PCI will apply to electronic media along with print media till the time electronic media comes up with its own guidelines.

* Think of a police officer. Can anyone be guaranteed that he will not be influenced? He may be following a particular track, which could be the right track. He loses track and rounds up innocent. He loses track and rounds up innocent.

* Criticism of city police by TV media was unfair, in view of the material placed on record. The city police was at the very basic stage of probe.