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Media is running kangaroo courts: CJI Ramana

Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana said that the media is running “kangaroo courts” on issues even experienced judges find difficult to decide. The CJI also said that concerted campaigns against judges, particularly on social media, and media trials affect judicial functioning. Doing justice is not an easy responsibility. It is not easy to swallow when false narratives are created about the “easy life” led by judges, he added.

Ill-informed, biased and agenda-driven debates in the media on issues pending in courts are affecting justice delivery, the CJI said. “New media tools have enormous amplifying ability but appear to be incapable of distinguishing between the right and the wrong, the good and the bad and the real and the fake. Media trials cannot be a guiding factor in deciding cases,” he added.

Media has breached its responsibility, taking democracy two steps backwards, affecting people and harming the system, the Chief Justice said. He also said that it was best for the media to self-regulate and “measure their words”.