Kochi: The High Court on Thursday warned strict action against police and media for disclosing investigative findings in criminal cases lying before courts. Coming out with news on testimonies contained in such cases is illegal, the court said, adding that, repeating such behavior will be met with stringent action.
The warning was pronounced by Justice VV Kunjikrishnan in connection with Koodathai serial murders, where the main culprit Jolly was allowed bail in one of the cases.
In its ruling, the court said : Under the Evidence Act, confessions made by a culprit to the police are not admissible as proof in the court of laaw. Are the police and media unaware of this ?
The culprit’s testimonies surfaced one by one, on media every other day. What is source to such information ? Divulging statements taken during custody is contempt of court on part of the police. Despite its unauthenticated nature, such revelations serve to create suspicions among general public on the verdict handed by courts. In turn, it impacts credibility of the court. This practice must come to an end.
While telecasting breaking news and debates, the media should try to understand dictates laid in Evidence Act. The court knows how to deal with those outsmarting. Should the trend continue, there will be stringent action against the offending media and disciplinary action against concerned officials, the ruling concluded.
A copy of the verdict was send to the state police chief.
