POLICE SHOULD NOT DISCLOSE INFORMATION OF ONGOING INVESTIGATION TO MEDIA - KARNATAKA HC

The Karnataka High Court Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj directed the State government to issue directions to police/investigating officers not to reveal or disclose relevant information investigation of a case, victim, or accused to the media till the conclusion of the investigation. The Bench also said that disciplinary proceedings should be initiated against those officers who will fail to follow the directions. 

The Bench was hearing a plea seeking directions to frame rules to prevent the publication of obscene content as part of news (electronic and print media). During the hearing, the bench observed that there were numerous cases where the police have disclosed relevant and 
important information of ongoing investigation to the media. 
On questioning the State government, the counsel appearing for the State said that the investigation officers don't even 'talk' to the media and that information may have leaked. 

The Court adjourned the matter to 20th July and directed the state government to develop guidelines within 4 weeks.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal