Can excessive media reporting hinder justice? Bombay HC asks Centre

The Bombay High Court on Thursday asked the Union government to clarify whether “excessive” reportage by the press on an ongoing investigation amounted to interference in the administration of justice under the Contempt of Courts Act.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni asked the government to state by November 6 if such reportage adversely affects the probe and subsequent trial, and if the court should lay guidelines on media reporting.

“If there is excessive reporting, that can put an accused on guard, and he may resort to destroying evidence or absconding. Or if that person is actually innocent, the excessive media reporting can damage his reputation,” it said.