CLC MCS NATIONAL WEBINAR on 'Trial by Media: Free Speech and Fair Trial under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973'
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Ms. Rebecca Mammen John, Senior Advocate, High Court of Delhi
MODERATOR: Ms. Anumeha Mishra, Asst. Professor, Campus Law Centre
DIRECTOR: Dr. Narendra Kumar Bishnoi, Teacher Convener, Moot Court Society
POST WEBINAR REPORT:
Senior Advocate Ms. Rebecca Mammen John, an alumnus of Campus Law Centre and a distinguished personality in the legal world, delivered a talk on ‘Trial By Media: Free Speech and Fair Trial under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973' on 25 May 2020. The discussion revolved around how the media influences a criminal trial and its consequent effects on the rights of parties involved in the trial – both the victim and the accused. She displayed news headlines of trials in which she was involved to show the presumptions made by media even before a verdict had been pronounced. She also discussed landmark trials such as the Nanavati case, Arushi Talwar murder case and the recent encounter of Telangana rape-accused.
The talk highlighted the need to emphasize on unbiased and lopsided reporting by media. This was all the more important because in quite a few cases media played the role of ensuring that justice was delivered to the victims of the case by bringing their adversity to the forefront. She also touched upon the concept of ‘sting operations’ and discussed its legality and relevancy as evidence.
The webinar was moderated by Ms. Anumeha Mishra, Asst. Professor, Campus Law Centre. The webinar ended with a half an hour-long Q&A session with the participants. It was flagged off by Dr. Narendra Kumar Bishnoi, Asst. Professor, Campus Law Centre, with the introduction of the Key Note Speaker. Mr. Jai Prakash Meena, Asst. Professor, Campus Law Centre offered assistance and support for the webinar.
