Supreme Court raps media in Aarushi case

The Supreme Court today issued notice to central Government and U P Government on a petition asking for a direction to media housed to maintain restraint in reporting the cases like Aarushi Murder case. The petition in the court was filed by Dr. Surat Singh, a Delhi based advocate who accused media of irresponsible reporting in Aarushi case.

A two judge bench headed by Justice Altamas Kabir asked the government if there is any mechanism to regulate media in reporting sub-judice cases like these. The petition has asked for number of directions to be issued so that the reputation of people can be protected from being damaged because of irresponsible attitude of media.

While observing there is a need for media to act in a more responsible manner, the court has emphasised the need for laying down general guidelines for reporting sub judice matters. The PIL filed in the apex court alleges that Dr. Rajesh Talwar's reputation has been maligned by the media and the police and has sought action against investigators keeping the teenager's father in 50 days' custody before declaring him innocent.