Juvenile cases should not be exposed in media: HC

Kochi, Nov 28 (UNI) In a significant judgement, the Kerala High Court today directed the State Government to ensure that juveniles in conflict with the law should not be exposed to the public and said ''media trial is more painful than judicial trial.'' While considering a suo moto petition, the division bench comprising Justice K S Radhakrishnan and Justice M N Krishnan directed the state government and the Director General of Prosecution to direct police officials to see that juvenile delinquents were not exposed to the media.

The court also warned that erring officials in this regard might face disciplinary proceedings apart from the provisions of Section 21 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

The court also directed District Collectors to give directions to district probationary officer to inform the press about the section 21 of the Act, while dealing with the Juvenile cases.

The court said electronic and print media had given much publicity relating to a juvenile delinquent, who was chargesheeted for an offence under Section 302 IPC.

The juvenile, aged 16, was arrested on charges of murdering a seven-year-old child on June 15, 2006.

Following media reports, the Child Welfare Committee Chairman George Pulikuthiyil wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of Kerala seeking his intervention. On this basis, the court took the case suo moto.

The court observed that exposure of both the accused and victim in the media during investigation was an agonising experience to the child and family members.

The court said the Law Commission of India had recommended enacting a law to prevent media from reporting anything prejudicial to the rights of the accused in criminal cases from the time of arrest, during investigation and trial.

It was for Parliament to look in to the report of the Law Commission and take appropriate action.

UNI XR AJ PKS HT2150