Media trial safeguards require broadcast coverage to follow official investigation releases and ethical reporting standards.

Interim directions were issued to restrain broadcast coverage from departing from official press releases in an ongoing criminal investigation, as the record did not show a material link between the impugned broadcasts and any selective leakage of investigative information. The Court relied on the need to prevent media trial and protect fair investigation and fair administration of justice, while noting the safeguards already in place before the Special Judge. The broadcasters were directed to keep their coverage consistent with the official releases and the ethical and regulatory standards governing such reporting. Notice was issued to the respondents, and the petition was allowed to be amended to implead the broadcasting association.

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Issues: Whether interim directions were warranted to restrain dissemination of broadcast material concerning an ongoing criminal investigation and to require compliance with the applicable broadcasting standards.

Analysis: The Court found no material correlation between the impugned broadcasts and the press releases issued by the investigating agencies, and held that, at that stage, the record did not support a case of selective leakage of investigative information. The Court also took note of the safeguards already put in place by the Special Judge. Relying on the principles against media trial and the need to preserve fair investigation and fair administration of justice, the Court directed that the broadcasters concerned ensure that their coverage remained in tune with the official press releases and the ethical and regulatory standards governing such reporting. Notice was also issued to the concerned respondents and the petition was permitted to be amended to implead the broadcasting association.

Conclusion: Interim protective directions were issued in favour of the petitioner, but the Court did not finally adjudicate the writ petition and kept the matter pending for further consideration.

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