When sensational reporting disrupts the judiciary: collective concerns, causes and measures

Abstract

From its inception, media has played a significant role in society. As society has evolved, so has media. From print media to the latest advent of social media, the world has witnessed a sea change in its form, content and approach. At times, the media has been touted a 'watchdog' and a 'crusader' against corruption. But at other times, it has raised its sinister head and made a mockery of the judicial system. This study focuses on various civil and criminal cases to bring to the fore the dire consequences of sensationalization in the media and to highlight the measures taken by the honorable courts to ensure that civil rights are upheld. It further links the market forces of our technological age to the anthropological reasons that compel media companies to pander to sensationalization. The purpose of the study is to find the threshold beyond which the right to freedom of speech and expression is stretched thin and the media tramples on the right to privacy by resorting to sensationalization. The paper argues in favor of developing an ethical code of conduct by creating awareness about the freedom of expression, the right to privacy, right to a fair trial etc. and further stresses on the need to set up regulatory measures at various levels to ensure that all citizens can enjoy the rights enshrined in the constitution.