In Brief
This batch of criminal appeals concerning the People's Union for Civil Liberties raised two key issues: procedures for police encounters and police media briefings during criminal investigations. The Court appointed an Amicus Curiae to examine police media conduct and consulted multiple stakeholders. The judgment addresses the tension between media freedom and the accused's right to a fair trial and victim privacy. The Court directed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to formulate comprehensive guidelines on police media briefings by 31 December 2023, balancing public information access with protection of investigation integrity and the presumption of innocence. Directors General of Police were asked to provide input, and proceedings were listed for January 2024."
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