Delhi High Court Raps Media for Misreporting Remarks Made During Judicial Proceedings

The Delhi High Court has cautioned media outlets against sensationalising judges’ oral observations during hearings, calling it a “disturbing trend” that distorts public perception of the judiciary.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna observed that news platforms have a duty to ensure responsible and contextual reporting, noting that comments made in court are often misrepresented as judicial findings, and stressed that only written orders and judgments carry legal authority, and misreporting courtroom exchanges undermines judicial dignity.

The Court urged media houses to introspect on whether such practices should continue on their platforms, while also dismissing the plea before it.

[Shravan Gupta v Directorate of Enforcement]