Media Should Show Sense Of Responsibility While Publishing News: Madras High Court In Kallakurichi Student Death Case

It is to be highlighted that media should show some sense of responsibility while publishing the news, especially with regard to children. As per the psychologists, sensationalizing the news of death and projecting the issue made other four children to travel the same path. Instead of projecting the incident in detail, they can give helpline numbers, which will be very much useful. Media should be vigilant while addressing any messages or images.

The court also highlighted that freedom of speech should not be used to spread falsity and instead, social media should be conscious of its duty to the citizens and should share only genuine news.

The court made the observations upon noticing that some electronic and social media were conducting a parallel investigation in spite of court orders prohibiting the same. The court also noted that some advocates were also giving different opinions in the media comparing the post-mortem reports in the case.

"From the Experts report and also the investigation done in all angles so far, the contentions of the petitioner that the death is due to sexual assault and homicidal violence cannot be countenanced."

As a result, the court directed the Bar Council to identify such Advocates who were conducting a parallel investigation on electronic and social media and take necessary disciplinary proceedings against those advocates. Further, if needed, even the court could take appropriate action against such advocates for violating the orders of the court.

The court also directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take appropriate action against YouTube channels and other persons conducting parallel investigation and block such YouTube channels.

The court appreciated the efforts taken by the School Education Department in implementing schemes for the welfare of students throughout the State. The court further stated that these schemes should be implemented in letter and spirit and should be continuously monitored by concerned authorities.

The State Public Prosecutor, through a Status Report apprised the court regarding the progress made in the investigation by the Special Investigation Team in respect of the violence that took place following the death of the school girl. Actions were taken against violators and against persons who committed offences using social media. The CB-CID also field a status report informing the court that a substantial part of the investigation has been conducted in all angle meticulously. It further stated that the JIPMER Medical Team appointed by the court had compared the two post mortem reports and found no inconsistency.

Satisfied with the manner in which the investigation was being conducted, the court observed as under:

The State has left no stone unturned in the conduct of investigation and all efforts have been taken to bring to light the happenings, which has led to the sad demise of the deceased. This Court, while appreciating the Investigation Agency of the State, further directs that the investigation team shall ensure to file the final report before the concerned Magistrate at the earliest.

The matter has been posted to 27^th September 2022.