Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud addressed concerns about the portrayal of legal cases in the media versus their actual merits during a discussion at The Indian Express Adda on November 4. In conversation with Vandita Mishra, National Opinion Editor, and Apurva Vishwanath, National Legal Editor at The Indian Express, the CJI highlighted the complexities surrounding bail petitions and judicial processes.
Responding to questions on delayed hearings for activists like Umar Khalid, who has been imprisoned as an undertrial in the Delhi Riots “Larger Conspiracy” case, and others involved in the Bhima Koregaon violence case, CJI Chandrachud acknowledged the backlog but defended the judiciary's approach. “For the one or two cases that were mentioned, I could mention at least a dozen politically sensitive cases where bail was granted over the last several months,” he stated, emphasizing that each case requires careful judicial consideration. He stressed the importance of understanding that judgments are based on the legal record, which may differ significantly from how the media depict cases.
The CJI also expressed concern over the media’s influence on public perception, noting that media coverage often creates an “atmosphere” around cases far removed from reality. “When a judge applies their mind to the record, what emerges may be different from what is portrayed in the media on the merits of that case,” he explained. He added that it is up to the public and legal experts to evaluate whether the records and decisions are accurate.
Umar Khalid, a former student activist, has been in police custody since September 2020. He was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly instigating violence during former U.S. President Donald Trump's visit in February 2020. Khalid's bail hearings have faced repeated delays in both the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court. His next hearing in the Delhi High Court is scheduled for November 25, as concerns over prolonged detentions without trial continue to spark debates about justice and human rights.