Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government
3. What do you understand by ‘trial by media’? Critically examine its implications on the justice system of the country. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Recently, the Chief Justice of India objected to the lack of media accountability in the media’s coverage of legal issues.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about trial by media’ and its implications on justice.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining ‘trial by media’ and explaining it.
Body:
First, write about the importance of media to promote transparency and accountability in the country.
Next, write about the various negative implications of trial by media – subverting rule of law, negative perception, sensualisation, undermining the maxim of innocent until proven guilty etc.
Next, write about the measures that can be take against trial by media.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
