Ethics and Norms on Police-Media Communication: Interactions within the Justice System and their impact on Public Perception

DAKSH under its initiative MĀRGA (Media And its Role in Governance and Accountability), in collaboration with independent news agency, The Probe released a report on ‘Ethics and Norms on Police-Media Communication: Interactions within the Justice System and their impact on Public Perception’.

A spate of incidents involving law enforcement agencies (LEAs) leaking evidence regarding ongoing criminal cases to journalists necessitated this research. Incomplete, inaccurate or inappropriate communication by LEAs to the media and resulting irresponsible reporting impacts various stakeholders. It can affect the right to a fair trial and the right to privacy of the persons involved in the case and their associates. It can also affect the investigation process itself. Larger concerns include eroding public trust in the judicial process, and formal dispute resolution mechanisms.

In this report, DAKSH and The Probe identify problematic practices in this field, map the existing regulations, and explore possible avenues to create a more robust system of communication that aids the ideals of a fair justice system.