The court said that news reports on Khalid’s statement to the police were reported without clarifying that such confessions are not admissible in evidence.
Noting that media trials cannot destroy “presumption of innocence”, a local court in Delhi has taken strong exception to media reports on Northeast Delhi riots cases, particularly those related to activist Umar Khalid’s alleged confession.
Dinesh Kumar, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Northeast, said in his order on Friday that news reports on Khalid’s statement to the police were reported without clarifying that such confessions are not admissible in evidence.
The court added that a reporter should have basic knowledge of the law and must educate readers or viewers about the factual legal status of such statements.
An individual’s reputation is his valuable asset and is a facet of his right under Article 21 of the Constitution, the court reiterated, adding that a news report that might deprive an accused of his dignity would have an adverse effect on his or her rights.
The rebuking of media by the court came in an application filed by the activist, who complained of media reports stating he had confessed to his involvement in the conspiracy behind the communal riots that took place in February 2020.
Khalid has been in custody since 14 September 2020.
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